Agustina's Journey Back

Agustina, a four-year-old girl from Uruguay, is receiving hyperbaric treatment in New Orleans after a minor operation left her unable to speak, eat, walk, or function on her own. The Rotary Club of Uruguay and New Orleans bonded together to support and bring aid to the family.
Agustina's Journey Back 2023-04-24 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of New Orleans and Uruguay Join Forces to Help 4 Year Old Girl Sarah Dickerson 2023-03-13 05:00:00Z 0


Philippines Project Update

Posted on Dec 10, 2018
Robert Romero, Honorary Consul,  signing off on the second shipment of textbooks and medical supplies that will be sent to the Philippines. 
 
 
Philippines Project Update 2018-12-10 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Summers

Posted on Aug 20, 2018
It's summertime in New Orleans!
 
Rotary Summers 2018-08-20 05:00:00Z 0

2018-2019 Officer and Board Installation

Posted on Jul 16, 2018
Thank you to all who attended our officer and board installation, especially those who will be serving in the coming year.  You are truly living up to our motto of "Service Above Self".
 
Incoming President Ellen Yellin
 
 
 
Ellen Yellin and Past President Susan Simon
 
 
 
 
Immediate Past President Tommy Moore and Rotarian of the Year Heather Kirk
 
 
Rotarian of the Year Heather Kirk
 
 
 
2018-19 Officers and Board
 
 
 
Paul Harris Recipients Alan Case and Brad Spedale
 
2018-2019 Officer and Board Installation 2018-07-16 05:00:00Z 0

Crescent City Cafe' Service Project

Posted on Jun 17, 2018
Rotary Club of New Orleans had a great time preparing and serving 113 meals to the homeless at Crescent City Cafe' on Saturday, June 16th.  A huge thanks to all who participated!
 
 
 
Crescent City Cafe' Service Project 2018-06-17 05:00:00Z 0

Chacala Project

Posted on May 14, 2018
District 6840 was proud to join Berkeley's Chacala project as a sponsor with financial participation plus hands on participation. 
 
Chacala Project 2018-05-14 05:00:00Z 0

Red Cross/NOLA Fire Department Service Project

Posted on May 14, 2018
Travis Tresca, Charles Beasley and Karl Koppy helped the American Red Cross and the New Orleans Fire Department install smoke detectors in the Irish Channel neighborhood. The three man team installed 29 devices.  Way to go!
 
Red Cross/NOLA Fire Department Service Project 2018-05-14 05:00:00Z 0

GALA Auction Update

Posted on Apr 30, 2018
Frank Quin, Brian Moss, John Olinde, and Tommy Moore were the high auction bidders at this year’s Rotary Club of New Orleans Gala, where they raised a total of $20,000 to donate for the renovations of historic Gallier Hall to celebrate the New Orleans Tri-Centennial.  Here they are shown at Stewart Lodges at Steelwood before having dinner prepared by chef Danny.  This weekend get-away was generously donated by Stewart Lodges at Steelwood CEO/President Jennie Campbell.
 
GALA Auction Update 2018-04-30 05:00:00Z 0
Gallier Hall Tricentennial Fundraiser 2018-01-01 06:00:00Z 0
More pictures from Tricentennial Gala 2017-11-06 06:00:00Z 0
Photos from the Tricentennial Gala at Gallier Hall 2017-10-30 05:00:00Z 0

Cheer Up Missions Update

Posted on Sep 20, 2017
 
 
 
Mr. Ken Landriault, the director of Cheer-up Missions, the group who is working in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of New Orleans and Manila on an international philanthropic project, is seen here meeting with Mr. Roberto Gurmot Romero, Honorary Consul and Head of Mission for the Philippine Honorary Consulate in New Orleans. Mr. Romero has just approved the final documents authorizing the shipping and receiving of two containers of educational textbooks and school furniture for Philippine schools devastated by typhoons. Mr. Ken Landriault, the director of Cheer-up Missions, the group who is working in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of New Orleans and Manila on an international philanthropic project, is seen here meeting with Mr. Roberto Gurmot Romero, Honorary Consul and Head of Mission for the Philippine Honorary Consulate in New Orleans. Mr. Romero has just approved the final documents authorizing the shipping and receiving of two containers of educational textbooks and school furniture for Philippine schools devastated by typhoons.
 
Here Ken is mailing those documents on to his teammate, Mr. Bruce Bain, who is already on the ground in the Philippines meeting with members of the government; with shipping and receiving agencies; and with the Manila Rotary Club officers who will be taking possession of the contents of the two shipping containers. Everything is being focused on ensuring that textbooks and furniture are distributed equitably to the affected schools. Our fellow Rotarian, Heather Kirk, will be joining the mission to meet up with the containers and their contents there in the Philippines and to enjoy some fellowship with our brother and sister members of the Manila Rotary Club. She has promised a presentation to us upon her return.
 
Cheer Up Missions Update 2017-09-20 05:00:00Z 0

Thank You from Cypress Academy

Posted on Aug 27, 2017
Thank you so much for the backpack and school supply donation to Cypress Academy. Our students and families were SO grateful. Your donation has helped many of our students feel set-up and excited about the school year. I wish I could have bottled their excitement and sent that as a thank you. I hope these pictures will do to show our appreciation (see attached). 
 
--
Mariel Aken, LPC, NCC
Communities In Schools
Site Coordinator
 
 
 
Thank You from Cypress Academy 2017-08-27 05:00:00Z 0

Big Game Raffle

Posted on Aug 21, 2017
 
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Big Game Raffle!  The deadline is this coming Wed., Aug 23rd and the drawing will be held, Thurs. Aug 24th.
 
If you have sold tickets, please bring the checks payable to New Orleans Rotary or cash with the completed stubs to the meeting Wednesday, Aug. 23rd (or any remaining unsold tickets).
 
Again, many thanks for supporting Rotary. 
 
Karl Koppy
 
 
 
 
 - Karl Koppy
 
 
Big Game Raffle 2017-08-21 05:00:00Z 0

Happy Birthday Jim Carter

Posted on Aug 13, 2017
Happy birthday Jim.  Your 90 years have been a testament to the ideal of service above self.  Here's wishing you 90 more!
 
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Jim Carter 2017-08-13 05:00:00Z 0

Warren Easton did it again!

Posted by Henry Lowentritt on Aug 06, 2017
Warren Easton did it again!  
 
For the seventh consecutive year, our Rotary Club’s adopted high school, WARREN EASTON CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL earned a 100% graduation rate! This is even more remarkable as graduation rates in Louisiana declined this year. The latest state average is 77%, while New Orleans public schools averaged 75.7%
 
As you probably know, Warren Easton is an open-admission public charter school.  Because of the One App policy, the Orleans Parish School Board now decides which students get assigned to Warren Easton; Easton has no say so whatsoever in the application process.  Per Easton’s Administration, “No matter what academic level they enter with, our mission is to take the kids who enroll and develop them into successful Eagles. And that is what we do!”
 
For the 2017-2018 school year Warren Easton led all schools in Orleans Parish, as 2,013 students applied for 250 spots in this year's freshman class. 
 
Congratulations to Principal Medley, her staff and the faculty.  Go Eagles!
 
         Thanks, and YIR,
 
         Henry Lowentritt
 
 
Warren Easton did it again! Henry Lowentritt 2017-08-06 05:00:00Z 0

HIV Concert in Uganda

Posted on Aug 04, 2017
Several of our members expressed a desire to help fund the efforts of the HIV Concert in Uganda via the Global Livingston Institute.  If you would like to contribute to Dr. Andrew Ward’s iknow concert series HIV Testing Project, please bring a check to the August 9th Meeting.  The Rotary Board will match up to $500.00 for this effort.
 
HIV Concert in Uganda 2017-08-04 05:00:00Z 0

This Thursday is the Rotary Spelling Bee!

 
Details are as follows:
Date:   Thursday, Nov. 3th
Time:   5:30-8:00 PM
Loc'n: Junior Achievement BIZ TOWN, 5100 Orleans Avenue (ENTER on Navarre St. Parking lot behind Delgado Campus)
This Thursday is the Rotary Spelling Bee! Alan Case 2016-09-26 00:00:00Z 0

New Orleans Rotary has a FACEBOOK page

 
The club is on Facebook in two different ways and we encourage everyone to connect in both ways. We have a Facebook PAGE that is public and meant as a way for us to show the rest of the world what we do, including convincing prospective members that we are worth joining. Please like the page if you haven't already, and invite others to like it too!
We also have a Facebook GROUP that is only for members and not accessible to others. The purpose of this group is to share information with fellow members, and ask for help when there is something you think other members can help with. Think of it as the fun bucket, just free (but you can always donate to NORFI if you want). Also think of it as somewhere to share something that you think is not quite important or club-relevant enough that you would email all the members about it, but you DO want people to know. Shameless self-promotion is perfectly acceptable.
The Facebook PAGE that is open for all is at https://www.facebook.com/RotaryNewOrleans/
The Facebook GROUP that is only open to members is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/289140871203308/

 

Knud

New Orleans Rotary has a FACEBOOK page Alan Case 2016-07-31 00:00:00Z 0

2016 Rotary Backpack Service Project

Posted by Alan Case on Jul 30, 2016
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the backpack project so far!   This past Wednesday, with the help of 23 additional backpacks from UBS Financial, 40 backpacks were delivered and distributed to children at the North Rampart Community Center that serves primarily children from low-income, single parent households in the nearby Treme, St. Roch, and 7th Ward Neighborhoods. 
 
Also on hand were officers with the NOPD who helped deliver and distribute the backpacks. The kids were so happy to have new supplies to start school!  In total, 80 backpacks have been delivered to date to homeless, low-income or at-risk children through three community organizations.  If you still have a filled backpack at home, please bring it to the meeting on August 3rd so it can be delivered to the New Orleans Women's and Children's Shelter.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Laverne
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 Rotary Backpack Service Project Alan Case 2016-07-31 00:00:00Z 0
We meet Wednesday, June 8, 2016, in The Theatre in Harrah’s Casino Alan Case 2016-07-31 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary's Annual Report for July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 by John F. Olinde, President

Posted on Jul 23, 2016
Please follow the link below to view Rotary's Annual Report from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016
 
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B92uEGSMSx8HMDYxRUdoZDZjN3c
 
or login to clubrunner and view the document here:
 
portal.clubrunner.ca/6033/Documents/en-ca/c3713945-6846-430b-83c3-7b09022505d6/1/
 
 
image  John
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary's Annual Report for July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 by John F. Olinde, President Alan Case 2016-07-24 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Jay Brinkmann - Short-term Rentals, Long-term Problems

Posted by Alan Case on Jul 23, 2016

Dr. John Nicklow is the seventh leader in the history of the University of New Orleans. He was selected President by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors on March 16, 2016. Prior to his ascent to the presidency, he spent nine months as the University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. President Nicklow brings to the position nearly 18 years of higher education experience as a faculty member and administrator with extensive experience in research, enrollment management, student success initiatives, fundraising, campus-wide collaborations and academic program innovation.

As Provost, Dr. Nicklow served as the Chief Academic Officer for the University of New Orleans and was responsible for managing academic programs and support units and the policies and practices that affect the academic success of students at the University. He oversaw undergraduate and graduate education, recruitment and retention of students, faculty affairs, including promotion and tenure, outreach to the community, information technology, and institutional effectiveness and assessment.

President Nicklow previously held the position of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Southern Illinois University, as well as earlier appointments as Assistant Provost for Enrollment Management, Associate Dean of Engineering, and Professor of Civil Engineering at that institution. As Provost, Dr. Nicklow led an effort that resulted in increased overall student enrollment, following more than 10 years of consecutive declines. Other highlights of his tenure included two of the largest freshmen classes in 20 years, the largest international student population in 30 years and strong gains in the number of transfer students as well as rates of student persistence. Dr. Nicklow helped triple the size of the University Honors Program; grew accredited online programs and online enrollment; managed new, successful recruitment initiatives; created centralized First-Year Advisement; and established a number of cross-disciplinary and new academic programs.

President Nicklow has been widely recognized at the university level by the American Society of Civil Engineers and by industry for his teaching and research. His research interests are focused on STEM education and on environmental and water resources systems optimization. He has published more than 75 articles and is the author of four books. He is a registered professional engineer, a certified professional hydrologist, a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a Diplomat of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.

President Nicklow earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and a Ph.D., in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University. He began his career as an Environmental Engineering Officer with the U.S. Public Health Service and was responsible for design and construction of water supply and waste disposal facilities for American Indian communities.

- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/6033/Speakers#sthash.max7uaME.dpuf
 
https://www.crsadmin.com/gen/Accounts/6033/Speakers/tn_ad20479c-f1ff-4a91-890d-1d5c45d2312b.jpg?_=636040524542395099
 
 
Jay Brinkmann is the retired Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research and Education at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) where he worked on a wide range of issues impacting single-family, commercial and multifamily real estate finance. His team handled economic forecasting, responding to regulatory and legislative issues impacting the mortgage industry, and benchmarking the operational efficiency and profitability of the mortgage divisions of commercial banks and independent mortgage companies.
Jay is a native of New Orleans, but began his career on Capitol Hill as the press secretary to U.S. Rep. David C. Treen. He then served as Treen’s deputy chief of staff when Treen was elected governor. He worked in commercial banking at Louisiana National Bank (later Premier National Bank) in Baton Rouge, and was on the business school faculty at the University of Houston where he specialized in financial institution regulation and energy markets. Immediately prior to joining MBA, he worked in the portfolio strategy group at Fannie Mae. He has published articles on bank regulation and housing finance in various academic journals and on the op-ed pages of The Wall Street Journal and the American Banker. He was frequently quoted in print and electronic news outlets on real estate finance topics, has appeared on the news shows of all of the major broadcast and cable networks, and has testified before the US House and Senate banking committees. Jay holds a Ph.D. in finance from Purdue University, an MBA from Tulane University and a BA in International Affairs from The George Washington University. He currently serves at the US representative on the executive committee of the International Union of Housing Finance, a 100-year old organization dedicated to housing issues around the world.  He returned home to New Orleans in 2014 after a 40-year absence as a full-time resident, intending to spend his time being a grandfather, renovating an old home, and eating his way through the city’s restaurants. He has instead found his time increasingly occupied by being a volunteer for various public policy and community service projects.
 
 
 Travis
 
This week's speaker is Jay Brinkmann - Short-term Rentals, Long-term Problems Alan Case 2016-07-24 00:00:00Z 0
This week's meeting will be held in The Stadium Club at Manning's Alan Case 2016-07-18 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Thomas Klasson - US Department of Agriculture - Southern Regional Research Center

Posted by Alan Case on Jul 17, 2016
https://www.crsadmin.com/gen/Accounts/6033/Speakers/tn_e74d455a-4bc9-4dbf-972d-fad0d4a82a28.jpg?_=636040524542395099
 
Dr. K. Thomas Klasson received his M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, with emphasis on biochemical engineering, from University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. After his post-doctoral work on synthesis gas fermentation at the University of Arkansas, he was the Biotechnology Laboratory Director at the University’s Engineering Research Center.  Dr. Klasson worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 12 years as a Research and Development Engineer and Group Leader of the Biochemical Engineering Research Group and the Remediation Technology Group.  He joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in 2004 as a Research Leader for the Commodity Utilization Research Unit in New Orleans.  In this position, he is responsible for the Unit (26 members), including group activities, staff allocation, and budget.  The group’s research activities include development of processes for converting agricultural byproduct to fuels and products, enzymatic upgrading of vegetable oils, alternative use and recovery of cotton seed oil, and process improvement in sugar factories.  His personal research is directed toward biofuel and bioproducts from sugar crops via fermentation.  He has authored over 160 research journal articles, book chapters, and scientific reports.  He has done numerous invited presentations and often serves as expert reviewer for proposals and projects for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technology Office.  He serves on the board of the Society of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB) and is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Chemical Society, and the American Society for Testing and Materials International.  Dr. Klasson was worked with SIMB since 2006 in organizing the Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals and has served as the Symposium’s chair (even years) and co-chair (odd years) and on the Organizing Committee for this annual SIMB-organized meeting ever since.
 
 Travis
 
This week's speaker is Thomas Klasson - US Department of Agriculture - Southern Regional Research Center Alan Case 2016-07-18 00:00:00Z 0

2016 Director's and Officer's Installation Banquet!

Posted by Alan Case on Jul 12, 2016
Congratulations to our 2016 Officers!
 
 
 
Incoming President Mike Duplantier (left) and Outgoing President John Olinde (Right)
 
 
Past Presidents of the New Orleans Rotary Club
 
2016 Director's and Officer's Installation Banquet! Alan Case 2016-07-13 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Nominations

Posted on Jul 05, 2016
The nominating committee puts forward for membership the following candidates:
 
Proposed new member: Karl Koppy  
Position and Employer:  Certified Financial Planner, Morgan Stanley, New Orleans
Proposed classification:  Financial Services
Proposed by: John Olinde
 
 
 
If you have comments or concerns about approving any of these proposed members, please contact either Michael Bourg or John Olinde. Thank you.
 Mike
New Member Nominations Alan Case 2016-07-06 00:00:00Z 0

Service Projects for 2016

Posted on Jun 29, 2016
Service Projects Calendar 2016
 
 
Project
Date
 
 
 
 
Rubber Duck Derby*
Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 4 p.m.
 
 
   
Service Projects for 2016 Steve Bradshaw 2016-06-30 00:00:00Z 0

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES IN TIME FOR THIS WEEK’S LUNCHEON

Posted by Alan Case on Jun 28, 2016

The club luncheon on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, will be in the Stadium Club at Manning’s, and will be a Celebration.

The program will begin with Past Club President Recognition, seeking to honor the service of all past presidents and their contributions to the 106 year history of the Rotary Club of New Orleans, the 12th oldest of the more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in the world.  Following that, the new Club Officers and Board of Directors for 2016-2017 will be introduced and installed.

Festivities will begin at 11:30 am with wine and milk punch and buffet lunch. The program will begin at 12:00 noon (not 12:12 pm) and will conclude at 1:00 pm.  Please make every effort to attend this special event, as we look back as a fitting end to this year, and look forward as the club begins its 107th year.

President-elect Mike

 

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES IN TIME FOR THIS WEEK’S LUNCHEON Alan Case 2016-06-29 00:00:00Z 0
Congratulations almost Past President John Alan Case 2016-06-22 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Barry Erwin - President & CEO, Council for a Better Louisiana

Posted by Alan Case on Jun 07, 2016
 Barry Erwin is a Louisiana native who serves as President of the Council for A Better Louisiana (CABL). CABL is a statewide, nonprofit membership organization that works on issues that impact the quality of life in Louisiana. CABL is involved in numerous policy issues at the state level, including education, state fiscal policies and governmental ethics. The organization also operates the nationally recognized Leadership Louisiana program, which now boasts an alumni base of more than 600 state and community leaders from across Louisiana. Erwin began doing work for CABL in 1995 as a partner in IMPACT Strategies, a Baton Rouge-based public affairs and issues management firm. He joined CABL as Senior Vice President in January 2000.

Prior to working in public and governmental affairs, Erwin spent 15 years as a television journalist. As a reporter he specialized in covering both local and state government. For seven years Erwin was capitol correspondent for WBRZ-TV, the ABC affiliate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a past president and former board member of the Capitol Correspondents Association, an organization representing the journalists who cover state government in Louisiana. His work as a journalist has garnered state, regional, and national awards.

Erwin worked on numerous public affairs projects prior to joining CABL. Issue areas included education, health care and the judiciary as well as advising clients in the political arena.

Erwin graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He has served as guest lecturer in political science and public relations at Louisiana State University, and taught professional journalists in Zambia, Africa as part of a U.S. State Department program to aid emerging democracies.
 Travis
This week's speaker is Barry Erwin - President & CEO, Council for a Better Louisiana Alan Case 2016-06-08 00:00:00Z 0

NORFI Scholars

Posted by Alan Case
CONGRATULATIONS TO NORFI SCHOLARS
Ben Franklin High, Sci High, NOCCA and Warren Easton
 
 
NORFI Scholars Alan Case 2016-06-01 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Katie Brasted - Woodlands Conservancy

Posted by Alan Case on May 31, 2016
 Katie Brasted is the Founder and Executive Director of Woodlands Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust organization in the Greater New Orleans area.  She has her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.  Katie was recognized in 2006 as one of Citibusiness’s Women of the Year and is a 2007 fellow of Loyola’s Institute for Environmental Communication.  She became a Certified Louisiana Master Naturalist in 2012.
 
 Travis
This week's speaker is Katie Brasted - Woodlands Conservancy Alan Case 2016-06-01 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Greg Rusovich - Chairman of Louisiana Board of International Commerce

 Gregory Rusovich joined Transoceanic Shipping Company in 1981 after receiving his Political Science degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. Mr. Rusovich served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the global company from 1989 - 2003, and as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2003 – 2005.  Mr. Rusovich devised and implemented the company’s strategy to “go global” launching 25 international offices with a primary focus on the energy and emerging markets.  The profitable quest of the Transoceanic group drew the interest of the globe’s largest logistics firms, and the company was acquired by Agility (previously PWC of Kuwait) in 2005.  Subsequently, Mr. Rusovich served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the public corporation’s subsidiary, Agility Projects Logistics (Transoceanic) from 2005 – 2008.  In this leading executive role, he led the company’s operations as well as the company’s aggressive merger and acquisition efforts.  Mr. Rusovich now serves as the Chief Executive Officer, Transoceanic Development, a firm dedicated to global logistics and transportation.
 

Born and raised in New Orleans, Mr. Rusovich is also very active in numerous past and present civic pursuits and has received many awards and honors for his many civic endeavors. He has dedicated his civic efforts toward post Katrina New Orleans reform and recovery issues. In that capacity, he serves as Chairman, Louisiana Board of International Commerce, past Chair, Greater New Orleans, Inc., and past Chair, New Orleans Convention Visitors Bureau.  Appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, Mr. Rusovich currently serves as a Commissioner and is a past Chairman.

In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of many leading organizations including:  past Chairman, New Orleans Business Council; past Chair, Regional Business Council Coalition; past Chair, Metropolitan Crime Commission; Executive Committee and Chair Elect, New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation; and is a Board Member for NOLA Business Alliance and a former Board Member for Metairie Park Country Day. He is past Chair of the New Orleans Crime Coalition and continues to serve on its Executive Committee.  He is a member of the Young President’s Organization, and serves as the Honorary Consul General of Serbia to the State of Louisiana.

Mr. Rusovich received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2000; the Young Leadership Council’s Role Model Award in 1991; the Lifetime Membership Award from the World Trade Club in 2004; Crimestoppers George Loker Community Service Award in March, 2010; Propeller Club Maritime Man of the Year 2010; 2010 recipient of City Business’ Driving Forces, one of Family Services Ten Outstanding Persons in 2011, and was inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame in 2011. In   December, 2012, Mr. Rusovich was honored by St. Charles Avenue Magazine as one of its Activists of the Year and most recently, in October 2015, received the Lynne and Jerome Goldman Criminal Justice Reform Award from Court Watch NOLA.  He also had the opportunity to address the Journal of Commerce Breakbulk Conference held in New Orleans in 2006, as their keynote speaker.

Mr. Rusovich is married to Suzanne Walther Rusovich. Together they have two children, Colin and Nicholas. He is an avid football and basketball fan, and enjoys tennis and fishing…when time permits.

 Travis

This week's speaker is Greg Rusovich - Chairman of Louisiana Board of International Commerce Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-25 00:00:00Z 0

We meet 5:00 PM, Wednesday, May 18th, for a Crawfish Boil

Posted on May 17, 2016
Crawfish Boil at Warehouse Grill
869 Magazine Street
 

Come out and enjoy Rotary fellowship on Wednesday May 18th from 5:00 p.m. -  6:30 p.m.  Warehouse Grill will be boiling crawfish with all the fixin's on the back patio.  We will move inside in case of rain.

 

The club will provide each attending member with 2 drink tickets and you can bring 1 guest at no charge (prospective member, spouse, etc.).  Each subsequent guest will have a $17 fee to be paid at the door (the amount per head being charged by the venue).

We meet 5:00 PM, Wednesday, May 18th, for a Crawfish Boil Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-18 00:00:00Z 0
NORFI Fishing Rodeo Photos Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-18 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Crawfish Boil - This Week

Rotary Crawfish Boil  
This Wednesday
5-6:30
The Warehouse Grill – Back Patio
869 Magazine St.
 
The club will provide each attending member with 2 drink tickets and you can bring 1 guest at no charge (prospective member, spouse, etc.).  Each subsequent guest will have a $17 fee to be paid at the door (the amount per head being charged by the venue).
Rotary Crawfish Boil - This Week Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-18 00:00:00Z 0

NORFI Fishing Rodeo Directions - May 14th

Blast and Cast Fishing Camp
136 Orange Lane
Port Sulphur, LA  70083
(very near Myrtle Grove Marina)
NORFI Fishing Rodeo - May 14th
 
Directions:
 
Crescent City Connection:
Take the Crescent City Connection to the Westbank.  Head to the Westbank Expressway toward Lafayette St.  Turn South (left) on to Lafayette St.  Proceed south.  Lafayette St. turns into Hwy 23 (Belle Chasse Hwy.).  Proceed about 25 miles (1 mile before your turn off you will see the Myrtle Grove Marina, then the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s shooting range).  Turn Right onto Orange Ln.  The camp is straight ahead over the small levee.  Elevated Blue/Grey house.  You can park in the yard, in the neighbor’s yard, or if necessary, along the side of the highway (pull into the grass).
 
Huey P Long Bridge:
Take the Huey P Long Bridge across the River.  Take ramp right for US-90-East toward Gretna.  At exit 7, take ramp right for Westbank Expy. Head toward Lafayette St.  Turn right onto LA-23 / Lafayette St.  Lafayette St. turns into Hwy 23 (Belle Chasse Hwy.).  Proceed about 25 miles (1 mile before your turn off you will see the Myrtle Grove Marina, then the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s shooting range).  Turn Right onto Orange Ln.  The camp is straight ahead over the small levee.  Elevated Blue/Grey house.  You can park in the yard, in the neighbor’s yard, or if necessary, along the side of the highway (pull into the grass).
 
Thank you!
 
Tommy
Direct Mail Plus
1431 Edwards Ave.
Harahan, LA  70123
NORFI Fishing Rodeo Directions - May 14th Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-14 00:00:00Z 0

NORFI Fishing Rodeo Directions - May 14th

Blast and Cast Fishing Camp
136 Orange Lane
Port Sulphur, LA  70083
(very near Myrtle Grove Marina)
NORFI Fishing Rodeo - May 14th
 
Directions:
 
Crescent City Connection:
Take the Crescent City Connection to the Westbank.  Head to the Westbank Expressway toward Lafayette St.  Turn South (left) on to Lafayette St.  Proceed south.  Lafayette St. turns into Hwy 23 (Belle Chasse Hwy.).  Proceed about 25 miles (1 mile before your turn off you will see the Myrtle Grove Marina, then the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s shooting range).  Turn Right onto Orange Ln.  The camp is straight ahead over the small levee.  Elevated Blue/Grey house.  You can park in the yard, in the neighbor’s yard, or if necessary, along the side of the highway (pull into the grass).
 
Huey P Long Bridge:
Take the Huey P Long Bridge across the River.  Take ramp right for US-90-East toward Gretna.  At exit 7, take ramp right for Westbank Expy. Head toward Lafayette St.  Turn right onto LA-23 / Lafayette St.  Lafayette St. turns into Hwy 23 (Belle Chasse Hwy.).  Proceed about 25 miles (1 mile before your turn off you will see the Myrtle Grove Marina, then the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s shooting range).  Turn Right onto Orange Ln.  The camp is straight ahead over the small levee.  Elevated Blue/Grey house.  You can park in the yard, in the neighbor’s yard, or if necessary, along the side of the highway (pull into the grass).
 
Thank you!
 
Tommy
Direct Mail Plus
1431 Edwards Ave.
Harahan, LA  70123
NORFI Fishing Rodeo Directions - May 14th Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-14 00:00:00Z 0
NORFI Fishing Rodeo - Saturday, May 14th Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-14 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Dennis Lauscha - President of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans

 

Dennis Lauscha, who was named president of the Saints in 2012, oversees the club’s financial operations and government affairs and its marketing, ticket and suite sales, legal, stadium, community affairs, human resources, information technology and facilities departments. He has also served as president of the New Orleans Pelicans since 2012. He is a representative for both clubs at NFL and NBA Owner’s Meetings.

With his 2012 promotion with both clubs capping a steady rise through the executive ranks of the Saints, Lauscha first joined the club as treasurer in 1998 and later earned the additional titles of vice president, senior vice president and executive vice president. In addition to his duties with the Saints and Pelicans, the New Orleans native maintains multiple roles within other holdings of Tom and Gayle Benson, maintaining a role in the management of New Orleans FOX affiliate WVUE-TV, and Zelia, LLC.

Lauscha’s collaborative style, financial acumen and long-term view has played a key role as a member of a contingent that has negotiated agreements for both the Saints and Pelicans with the state of Louisiana that has resulted in long-term lease agreements, continuous improvements to their playing and practice facilities, revitalization of the areas around them and generated revenue for the state without any new taxes for citizens. 

This week's speaker is Dennis Lauscha - President of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-11 00:00:00Z 0
District FoodFest Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-11 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Lee Pryor - The Savvy Entrepreneur

Posted on May 03, 2016

 Lee Pryor has many years of experience as a founder and Chief Executive for start up and late stage entrepreneurial companies.     He began his career with Time Warner. He then moved to IBM in mainframe sales and management. He left to found a computer supply company that grew to 55 sales people, 5 manufacturing plants with over 300 employees and $48 million in sales.

After selling the computer business, he ran five both private and public companies for Private Equity and Venture Capital firms. These emerging and late stage companies were in a variety of industries including e-commerce, Internet database publishing and marketing, online on demand printing, computer supplies distribution, and technology contract manufacturing. In addition he has served as a consultant to several World War II Museums and is an advisor at large to a number of emerging technology companies.

Lee attended Johns Hopkins University, the US Naval Academy and graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois after which he spent two years with the Counter Intelligence Corp in Japan and China.

Lee is the author of “The Savvy Entrepreneur”, an Insider's Secrets to Managing for Success. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business, a business executive coach for emerging and developing enterprises, and a speaker on the topic of entrepreneurship at venture capital conferences, association meetings and business schools.

Lee is a former member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO/WPO) and present member of WPO. He has been on the Board of a number of public and private organizations as well as on the Board of The National Defense University in Washington DC and Kent School in Ct. as well as the Board of the Louisiana Technology Council where he was Director of the Katrina LTC Recovery/Incubator Center.

His extracurricular interests include being on the Board of the Charter School “Lagniappe” in New Orleans, The Board of The English Speaking Union New Orleans Chapter and active membership in the New York Yacht Club and the New York Explorers Club as well as being a multi-engine rated private pilot.

 Travis

This week's speaker is Lee Pryor - The Savvy Entrepreneur Steve Bradshaw 2016-05-04 00:00:00Z 0

NORFI Fishing Rodeo SURVEY

Posted on Apr 26, 2016
 
 
We need your help to plan the NORFI Fishing Rodeo.  Please CLICK HERE today and email Tommy to share your level of interest. Thank you.
 
NORFI
NORFI Fishing Rodeo SURVEY Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-27 00:00:00Z 0

Irvin Mayfield - The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra

Posted on Apr 26, 2016
 Irvin Mayfield, 37, is a Grammy and Billboard Award-winning artist with 25 albums to his credit. Mayfield is the founding Artistic Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and currently serves as Jazz Artist in Residence for the Apollo Theater; he served as Artistic Director of Jazz for the Minnesota Orchestra from 2009-2015. In 2009, he entered into a historic partnership with the Royal Sonesta Hotel and created Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, which brought “Jazz back to Bourbon Street” in the historic French Quarter. Mayfield was nominated to the National Council on the Arts by President George W. Bush and was subsequently appointed to the post by President Barack Obama in 2010; he served through 2014. He also received The Chancellor’s Award from the University of New Orleans (the highest ranking award given to a professor) in 2010 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Dillard University in 2011. He and NOJO recently opened the first space built for Jazz in the city that created the music – The Peoples Health New Orleans Jazz Market.
 Travis
Irvin Mayfield - The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-27 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary and Second Harvest Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-20 00:00:00Z 0
We meet Wednesday, April 20th, at Warren Easton High School Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-20 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary Day at the Races Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-13 00:00:00Z 0
ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS TABLE TENNİS Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-13 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Chief Michael Harrison - New Orleans Police Department

Posted on Apr 12, 2016
 Michael S. Harrison was appointed Superintendent of Police, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), on October 14, 2014, by Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu.
 

Michael Harrison joined the New Orleans Police Department in 1991. He quickly advanced through the ranks of the department, becoming a detective in the Major Case Narcotics Section in 1995, Sergeant in the Eighth Police District in 1999, Supervisor in the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau in 2000 and Seventh District Assistant Commander in 2009. From January 2011 to 2012, he served as Commander of the Special Investigations Division in which he managed the narcotics, vice, criminal intelligence and gang enforcement units of NOPD. With nearly 23 years of service, Harrison most recently served as Commander of Seventh District, overseeing police services for eastern New Orleans since January 2012.

Under his watch, the Seventh District experienced crime reductions in 2012 and 2013. He helped craft and testified in favor of legislation to enable better enforcement of prostitution and solicitation, which was a major problem in the district.

Prior to joining the NOPD, Harrison served eight years with the Louisiana Air National Guard. He received a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006, a Master of Criminal Justice from Loyola University in 2008 and is a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and an instructor in the Leadership in Police Organizations program. Superintendent Harrison is a member of the Police Executive Research Forum and a recent graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police. Harrison, a resident of Algiers, also serves as an ordained minister and overseer of ministry operations at City of Love Church in New Orleans. He also has been an instructor at the University of Phoenix, New Orleans campus since 2011. 

 Travis

This week's speaker is Chief Michael Harrison - New Orleans Police Department Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-13 00:00:00Z 0

Email from Ms.Chandra at St. Xavier’s School in Tikjuk, India to DG-Elect

 DG-Elect Randy
 
From: chandra yonzon
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 7:58 PM
To: Randall Feldman 
Subject: Good afternoon
 
Dear Randy,

Greetings from St. Xavier's school Tikjuk West Sikkim India.
How are you? We hope and pray you all are fine in best sound of health and spirit    in your all family members and your Rotary club members.
Here we are also fine and well by the grace of almighty.
We are always grateful and thinking about you specially all rotary members those who are helping towards us because your  Rotary club of New Orlience changed our school's students life by getting golden opportunity to get the best computer education, now most of the students they knows how to use and basic knowledge of computer education also they got better idea about the Internet education, most of the children they are learning some more knowledge about software, hardware and enter Internet.
We are always grateful and thank full with you,  specially you and Rotary club of New Orlience, may almighty bless you all, our best wishes is always be with you, we are always deeply praying for your healthy, wealthy, prosperous and successful long life to you all.
Lastly please pay my respect and regards to your all family members.
Keeping hope to hear from you.
Bye see you in next email.
With best wishes, 
Chandra.
Email from Ms.Chandra at St. Xavier’s School in Tikjuk, India to DG-Elect Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-06 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club Volunteers at Hogs for a Cause Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-06 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is John Cummings - Whitney Plantation

Posted on Apr 05, 2016
 John J. Cummings, III is a 78 year old New Orleans native. He is a graduate of Jesuit High School, Loyola University and Loyola University School of Law.  He is married, the father of eight children and the grandfather of five.

He practiced law in New Orleans for more than 50 years, specializing in class actions and mass tort litigation, and had offices in Seattle and Philadelphia as well as New Orleans during that time.

He continues to practice law at present, but has focused for the past sixteen years on the re-development of the Whitney Plantation as a Museum, Memorial and Site of Memory.  It was opened to the public on December 7, 2014 and he is actively involved in its operations daily.

 Tavis
This week's speaker is John Cummings - Whitney Plantation Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-06 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Event

New Members:
 
Please reserve Wednesday April 6  from 6pm to 8pm for the new member event at Peter Waring's house  2619 Fern Street, New Orleans, LA 70125. 
 
 Michele
New Member Event Steve Bradshaw 2016-04-06 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Amanda Brunson - Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana

Posted on Mar 29, 2016

 Amanda has served as executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana since 2009. Part of the organization since 2002, she began as the public education assistant. From there, she was promoted to director of programs and director of operations before her current position.

Amanda is responsible for strategic planning, management of all programs and services, policy and procedure development, grant writing and financial management of PCA Louisiana. She also develops partnerships with businesses, state agencies and nonprofits.

An authorized facilitator of Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children program and the Nurturing Parenting Program, Amanda is also a trained KIDLINE counselor.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospital’s Office of Behavioral Health, Children and Family Services appointed Amanda to serve on the Young Child Wellness Collaborative, a cross-section of leaders who work on improving systems and informing state policies and procedures. She is a member of the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board, Erin’s Law Task Force, the Executive Director’s Roundtable of the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations and the Baton Rouge regional Child Death Review Panel and Community Action Team.

In 2015 Amanda received the John W. Barton Excellence in Nonprofit Management Award from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.

Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree in family, child and consumer sciences from Louisiana State University. She is married and a mother of three children.

 Travis

This week's speaker is Amanda Brunson - Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana Steve Bradshaw 2016-03-30 00:00:00Z 0
Russian exchange group meets the Rotary Club of New Orleans Steve Bradshaw 2016-03-23 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary is a Winner at the Races Steve Bradshaw 2016-03-23 00:00:00Z 0

Elizabeth Thomas - Center for Planning Excellence

 Elizabeth “Boo” Thomas is the President and CEO of the Center for Planning Excellence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) is an organization that coordinates urban, rural and regional planning efforts across Louisiana and assists individual communities in inclusive visioning efforts from inception to implementation.  CPEX began as an initiative of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and is now an independent nonprofit.

At the local level, CPEX has facilitated Plan Baton Rouge, a master plan to develop downtown into a thriving, walkable, 24- hour destination, and facilitated Phase 2 of Plan Baton Rouge, the economic development strategy.  The Old South Baton Rouge Strategic Neighborhood Revitalization and Economic Development Plan, another local community planning effort, applied the lessons learned from Plan Baton Rouge to a disinvested neighborhood between downtown Baton Rouge and the campus of Louisiana State University. The Water Campus, the River District, the Nicholson Corridor Tram, and exciting commercial and residential developments will implement the Old South Plan.

At the parish level, CPEX has been involved in an advisory role with more than twenty parishes and municipalities interested in excellent planning.  At the regional scale, CPEX facilitated Louisiana Speaks Regional Plan, a long term plan that provides a vision for rebuilding Louisiana safer, stronger and smarter over the next 50 years. Launched in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Louisiana Speaks initiative brought together local, state and federal experts and stakeholders to create the comprehensive, sustainable plan that will guide recovery and growth for southern Louisiana over the next 50 years. 

In September 2009, Ms. Thomas and the Center for Planning Excellence were awarded the Olmsted Medal by the American Society of Landscape Architects for “incredible leadership and set the standard for bringing community members and leaders together to work toward a shared vision for future growth and development.”    In September 2010, Boo was inducted as a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, only the second woman in Louisiana to be named to this honor.

After obtaining her Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from LSU in 1989, Elizabeth has led neighborhood redevelopment efforts in Baton Rouge, been a strong advocate for smart growth planning, and has served on many boards. In 2014, Ms. Thomas was honored by Forum 35, the young leaders’ organization in the Baton Rouge region, as the Baton Rouge Original for contributions to the Greater Baton Rouge area. She was selected by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation with the 2011 Excellence in Nonprofit Management Award.  She has also been honored by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the Business Report, LSU, Louisiana Architecture Foundation, the Louisiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the YMCA.

 Travis

Elizabeth Thomas - Center for Planning Excellence Steve Bradshaw 2016-03-23 00:00:00Z 0
Special Meeting at the Fairgrounds - Rotary Day at the Races Steve Bradshaw 2016-03-18 00:00:00Z 0

April 2nd: Hogs for the Cause

Posted on Mar 15, 2016
HOGS FOR THE CAUSE
 
Corrected Link - Please try again
 
 
To sign up for the 1 - 4:30 pm shift on Saturday. Pleases mention in the comments section, after you register, that you're with the Rotary Club of New Orleans. As of last check, we had 9 folks registered. Space is limited, so please sign up soon!
 
 Jeremy
April 2nd: Hogs for the Cause Steve Bradshaw 2016-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Ameer King Baraka - Actor, Author and Advocate for Second Chances

Posted on Mar 08, 2016
 Born to humble beginnings in New Orleans, LA, Ameer, affectionately known to his friends and fans as Millie, had an early life that was as gloomy and as ill fated as a young life could have been. In and out of the "system" as a kid for transgressions ranging from youthful indiscretions to major crimes, he was seemingly on a one-way trip to oblivion. But much like Malcolm X who experienced a rebirth through self-education and through reading inspirational stories while behind bars, so, too, was Baraka inspired by reading about the likes of Nelson Mandela who moved mountains and changed the world from his Robben Island jail cell. Perhaps more than any other influence, Baraka attributes his personal transformation and metamorphosis to the spirituality and self-love he developed from reading the Bible behind bars.

Baraka began his professional acting career by appearing in music videos and making minor appearances in national and international television commercials. This early work, along with his dedication to the study of the acting craft with some of Hollywood's leading acting coaches and instructors, led to increasingly prominent roles.

His breakthrough came when he landed a major international television campaign for Korean automaker, Hyndai. In the spot, he played a super human machine who outraced a car. Big wigs in the entertainment industry took note, and soon Baraka was being solicited for roles alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names, including those of the Emmy and Academy Award Winner variety.

First there was Baraka's co-starring role in the comedy hit, The New Guy, alongside comedy veteran, Eddie Griffin. Then there were roles alongside Blair Underwood and Academy Award Winner, Forest Whitaker, among many others of that ilk.

When his native New Orleans became a hotbed of filmmaking after Hurricane Katrina, Baraka was quick to return home, not just to selfishly continue to rack up film credits, but also to pay it forward through his work with at-risk youth. His dedication to exposing underprivileged kids to movie and TV show sets, his mentoring them right in their own crime infested public housing projects, and his relentless efforts to get them off of the streets and into the classroom caught Oprah's eye. The Queen of Daytime Talk dedicated an episode of her acclaimed Blackboard Wars show to Baraka and his life changing and life saving work.

More roles followed. When the producers of Fox's American Horror Story, Coven were looking for an actor who embodied the A strength and character worthy of playing the love interest of one of their List co-stars, Angela Basset, they chose Baraka as that man. His role as the show's fan favorite, Minotaur," allowed him to sit at the feet of greatness by interning, if you will, not just with Basset, but also with two-time Academy Award Winner, Jessica Lange, and one-time Academy Award Winner, Kathy Bates, all of whom are now like family to him.

The blogosphere is replete with stories about which Hollywood starlet will have him squire them to movie premieres and red carpet events, and which network drama or big budget feature will be his first leading role.

The drop-dead handsome bachelor is a fitness fanatic who is dedicated to inspiring young people with his message that they, too, can overcome meager beginnings and obstacles in their way to eventually triumph through hard work, dedication, the pursuit of education, and strong faith. This strong faith of his, as powerful as an atom bomb though as small as a mustard seed, is the principal driving force of Baraka's testimony. Proud of every aspect of his life, including his brief stint in the Louisiana State penal system for a youthful transgression during his childhood, he uses all of his life experiences to heighten interest in the way that God has personally made a way out of no way for him. Baraka now travels the world, speaking at colleges, universities, corporations, and youth organizations to promote the Word and to make it accessible and digestible for as many as possible who will lend an ear.

Baraka is also a spokesperson for one of the world's leading travel websites, newyork.com, where he joins many of the entertainment industry's biggest stars to share stories about their love for the City that Never Sleeps.
 Travis
This week's speaker is Ameer King Baraka - Actor, Author and Advocate for Second Chances Steve Bradshaw 2016-03-09 00:00:00Z 0

Our speaker this week is Kurt Weigle, President & CEO - Downtown Developement District

Posted on Mar 01, 2016

 Kurt Weigle has been President & CEO of the Downtown Development District (DDD) of New Orleans since 2003.  During his tenure, the DDD’s focus on quality of life and place-based economic development strategies to retain & attract Industries of the Mind has led to international recognition of New Orleans as a creative hub, now home to dozens of digital media and tech firms.  Downtown is the epicenter for New Orleans’ tech growth, adding an average of 350 new digital media & tech jobs per year.  The DDD was instrumental in securing the state of the art University Medical Center, opening in 2015, and VA Medical Center opening in 2016. Since 2006, Downtown New Orleans has welcomed over $6.5 billion of new real estate investment and its residential population has doubled and more than fifty new retail establishments have opened downtown.

Mr. Weigle serves on the boards of the National New Markets Fund, New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, Health Education Authority of Louisiana, Arts Council of New Orleans, New Orleans Medical Complex and public radio station WWNO.  He is a past director of the International Downtown Association and the Committee for a Better New Orleans, and a member of the Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee.  Mr. Weigle received the Excellence in Government Award in 2007 from the Bureau of Governmental Research and is a graduate of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. Mr. Weigle earned his Master of Urban Planning and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

 Travis

Our speaker this week is Kurt Weigle, President & CEO - Downtown Developement District Steve Bradshaw 2016-03-02 00:00:00Z 0
Cafe Reconcile - Cooking with Class Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-24 00:00:00Z 0
New Orleans Rotary Club Service Project Survey Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-24 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Tess Davis - The Antiquities Coalition

Posted on Feb 23, 2016

 Tess Davis, a lawyer and archaeologist by training, is Executive Director of the Antiquities Coalition. She oversees the organization’s work to fight cultural racketeering and also manages the day-to-day operations of the institute’s staff in Washington, DC and New York, as well as programs in the Middle East and Asia.

Since 2013, Davis has been affiliated with the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research, at the University of Glasgow. She came to Scotland from the Lawyers’ Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation — a not-for-profit institution based in Washington, DC — where she was Executive Director until 2012. She previously worked for the nongovernmental organization Heritage Watch in Cambodia, first as Project Coordinator, and finally Assistant Director. Her career began at the Archaeological Institute of America.

For the last decade, Davis has conducted extensive field research on the illicit trade in Cambodian antiquities, as well as legal research on the kingdom’s cultural property law. She also conceptualized and implemented a number of exciting projects in the country, including an exhibition at Angkor Wat about threats facing the temple, a hotline for the public to report archaeological discoveries or looting, and a children’s book entitled “If the Stones Could Speak.” From 2012-2014, she directed a legal internship program in Phnom Penh for international students from the Tulane-Siena Institute, who assist the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts with their legal needs.

Davis has been a legal consultant for the Cambodian and US federal governments and works with both the art world and law enforcement to keep looted antiquities off the market. She writes and speaks widely on these issues — having been published in CNN, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, the Cambodia Daily, and various scholarly publications — and featured in documentaries on PBS and ARTE. She contributes to both the Conversation and Huffington Post.

After graduating magna cum laude from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology, Davis earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law. She now serves on the Advisory Board of Heritage Watch and is Vice Chair of the American Society of International Law’s Cultural Heritage and the Arts Interest Group. She is admitted to the New York State Bar.

In 2015, the Royal Government of Cambodia knighted Davis for her work to recover the country’s plundered treasures, awarding her the rank of Commander in the Royal Order of the Sahametrei.
 Travis
This week's speaker is Tess Davis - The Antiquities Coalition Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-24 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Nominations

Posted on Feb 21, 2016
The nominating committee puts forward for membership the following candidates:
 
Proposed new member: Francis Quinn, IV
Position and Employer: General Manager, The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
Proposed classification:  Real Estate - Management
Proposed by: Randy Feldman
 
Proposed new member: John Sillars
Position and Employer: Vice-President of Resource Development & Marketing, Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans
Proposed classification:  Non-Profit Organization - Fundraising
Proposed by: Juli Pattison
 
If you have comments or concerns about approving any of these proposed members, please contact either Michael Bourg or John Olinde. Thank you.
 
 Mike
New Member Nominations Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-22 00:00:00Z 0

International Women's Day Event - Rotary Club of Mid-City

Posted on Feb 19, 2016
We would love for you all to be involved in the International Women's Day Celebration, a fundraiser held by the Mid City Rotary Club to benefit the Rotary Foundation. This event is taking place Saturday March 12th from 9 am-12:00 pm at the New Orleans Jazz Market (1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113). This is a buffet style brunch event with cash bar featuring keynote speakers and performances from some of our local female dance troops. Individual tickets to the event are $50 per person. Corporate tables are available (details can be viewed on our event Facebook page, link is below). Keynote speakers, volunteers and performers gain complimentary entry.

We encourage you to read more about some of Rotary International's key areas of philanthropic focus: CLICK HERE

You may also read more about International Women's Day here: CLICK HERE

Email Marigny.deMauriac@EdwardJones.com to get an application if you are interested in participating (by volunteering, sponsorship, or if you are associated with a restaurant interested in donating a dish). All sponsor/restaurant vendor applications must be completed by March. 1st in order to be included in the special "thank you" section of our event program. We are asking restaurants to provide one signature dish to be served to our guests in a buffet-style setting. 

We are also selling corporate tables at the event, if members of your organization are interested in attending as a group. You may view further details on Rotary Mid City club by visiting our Facebook page: CLICK HERE FOR FACE BOOK
 
Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions.
 
Rotary Club of Mid-City
Marigny deMauriac
International Women's Day Event - Rotary Club of Mid-City Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-20 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Lloyd Dennis - Executive Director, Silverback Society

 From the time of his first child's birth during his military service, Lloyd Dennis has become an accomplished photographer, published nationally and internationally. He is completely self taught as a photographer, even though later he himself would teach photography to others as the photography teacher for three years at L. E. Rabouin Vocational High School, a life shaping experience wherein he learned, first hand, that young people were teachable when they felt respected, believed they were cared about and were helped to connect the dots between what they were learning and lifestyle. Before he retired from photography his was one of the well respected photography and video production companies in the area.
 

Since 1993 he has written a weekly "Love Doctor" column in Data Newsweekly and from April of 1999 to the fall of 2003 he brought his insights about relationships, children and community to the WODT audience on The Love Doctor Show which aired weekly. He is also the Author of "His Way Works" an easy to read humorous but insight filled book designed to communicate to young people the how-to and benefits of loving, conscious and purposeful family living.

Since the Storm he has produced several documentaries about Katrina’s impact: “Coming Home” a film to help people make better choices about the how and when of returning, “Education In Exile” about the young people who returned to New Orleans leaving schools in places where they were treated like refuges and “Renaissance Village” about the plight of those who survived the storm to live in the largest FEMA trailer camp outside of Baton Rouge. As a filmmaker he has contributed to the conversation about education reform in New Orleans by producing “A History of Public Education in New Orleans” in conjunction with historian Al Kennedy and “Focus on Success” a film that investigates the inner working of four diversely governed open admission public elementary schools in New Orleans that are successful with the children.

In August of 2012 Lloyd retired from photography and accepted the challenge from local business leaders to work full time as CEO of Silverback Society, Inc. to accelerate the vision of the Silverback Society to full scale where every little boy in elementary school in New Orleans will experience the mentors and Manhood Role, Responsibility and Respect curriculum of the Silverback Society as he passes through eighth grade, before he faces the  academic and social challenges of high school.

In 2012 he was a Champion for Children Honoree for the Louisiana Children's Defense Fund, was the 2013 Man of the Year for the New Orleans Association of Black Social workers and also that year accepted a Champion for Change Award for the Silverback Society from the Crescent City Chapter of Links, Inc. In April of 2014 he was awarded a three year W. K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellowship, one of 120 fellows selected nationally for the leadership development fellowship's inaugural class.

In 2013 Lloyd retired from the board of Efforts of Grace (ASHノ Cultural Art Center) after having served thirteen years a its board president. He now serves as one of the founding members on the board of the Orleans Public Education Network and for twenty five years on the Community Relations Council of the New Orleans Job Corps where he also shows up every two weeks to motivate new arrivals.

He is involved in a forty seven year love affair with his wife, Anne and has three adult children and three grandchildren. Lloyd Dennis believes in young people and knows how brilliant they are when caring adults support, guide and encourage their efforts.

 Travis

This week's speaker is Lloyd Dennis - Executive Director, Silverback Society Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-17 00:00:00Z 0

See Cindy or Heather for 2016 RYLA Camp Applications

Posted on Feb 14, 2016
image

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a District 6840 program created by Rotary teaching effective leadership. RYLA camp is held each July for 65 high school juniors who are entering their senior year in the fall. Relatives of Rotarians are eligible to apply and attend. Last year RYLA was filled to capacity and late applicants were added to a waiting list. Sponsorship per student is courtesy of your Rotary club and includes an all-expense paid camp scholarship excluding only transportationCLICK HERE for photos from previous District 6840 RYLA Camps.

The 24th Annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program will be at the Solomon Retreat Center near Robert, LA. Registration begins at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 17th and the program ends on Friday, July 22th at 12 noon.  

As soon as possible contact Cindy or Heather for information and applications.

 Cindy  Heather

See Cindy or Heather for 2016 RYLA Camp Applications Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-15 00:00:00Z 0

Warren Easton Spelling Bee

All Rotary members are welcome to participate in a spelling bee at Warren Easton on Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30p-7:00p at Warren Easton. If anyone has any questions, please contact Duane Nettles duane@annunciationepiscopal.com
 
Thank you and Happy Mardi Gras!
 
Tara W. Knowles
 
Warren Easton Spelling Bee Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-10 00:00:00Z 0

Café Reconcile Cooking Lessons

TODAY!! Please RSVP for this event via email to Tara Knowles.     taraknowles@nolavirtualsolutions.com
 
Join us for a deliciously delightful evening at Café Reconcile.  First you will participate in learning how to cook a tasty menu item, then everyone will be able to enjoy the appetizing results while sipping wine.  

Sign up and join the 50 participants for the evening.  Non-Rotarians are welcome as well, so please bring your friends and/or family to this amazing event.  We will have to cancel if we fail to meet the minimum.
 
Event details below:
Café Reconcile
1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd NOLA 70113
Saturday, Feb 20, 2016
 
Registration 6:30
Cooking Class 7:00
Dinner 8:00
 
$60 per person/$120 per couple
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tara or Ward Rice.
 
Thank you and bon appétit!
 
Café Reconcile Cooking Lessons Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-10 00:00:00Z 0
Gayle welcomed Canadian Exchange Rotarians Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-10 00:00:00Z 0
Happy Mardi Gras - No Meeting this Week Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-10 00:00:00Z 0

Carole Neff - Super Lawyer

 Please click HERE and check out the article on Rotarian Carole Neff who was recently featured in Super Lawyers, Louisiana 2016. Great article!
 
Tara W. Knowles
Carole Neff - Super Lawyer Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-03 00:00:00Z 0

This weeks speaker is Bo Dollis, Jr. - Mardi Gras Indian Traditions and Culture

Posted on Feb 02, 2016
 Bo DollisJr’s entire life has been shaped and spurred by Mardi Gras Indian Culture. He masked for the first time at the age of ten, though his parents, Big Queen Laurita Dollis and the late Bo Dollis, Sr., Big Chief of the Wild Magnolias, wanted him to wait a few more years before he participated fully. Determined to mask, Bo Jr. managed to get his mother’s attention in that regard when he destroyed one of her beaded purses and starting sewing on his own. No one could hold him back after that bold and decisive move, and young Bo took his first steps towards becoming a Big chief. 

Bo took on the title of Big Chief in 2006, and assumed leadership of The Wild Magnolias in 2012 at the behest of his father. Bo Jr. has masked and performed with the band throughout most of his life, in venues all over New Orleans including Tipitina’s and the House of Blues, as well as at multiple Jazz Fests. He and the band played the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as The White House in 2011 for President Obama when Bo Dollis, Sr., was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship.

The Wild Magnolias have been honored to share the stage with various luminaries over the years, including Cyril Neville, Dr. John, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Galactic, Rockin’ DopsieMarva Wright, Robbie Robinson, Master P, and Widespread Panic. Bo Jr. and the band released A New Kind of Funk in 2013, their first CD of original recordings since 1999.
This weeks speaker is Bo Dollis, Jr. - Mardi Gras Indian Traditions and Culture Steve Bradshaw 2016-02-03 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Christian Galvin and Polly Hardie - Alliance for Neighborhood Prosperity

Posted on Jan 26, 2016
 
Polly Hardie is the President of the Alliance for Neighborhood Prosperity, a New Orleans based non-profit. Ms. Hardie holds a degree from Duke University where she studied Political Science, French, & Marketing. She worked as the Director of Marketing for a sports management firm in Los Angeles, California before leaving to follow her husband overseas in his career as a Diplomat. Ms. Hardie serves on the Board of Directors of Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans as well as the Boards of Directors of Durham Nativity School and the Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health in her native North Carolina. Following 10 years in Europe (Austria, Malta, France & Finland), the Hardies and their four sons are pleased to call New Orleans home.

Christian Galvin is a real estate investor specializing in the restoration of New Orleans residences and luxury corporate rentals.  He has restored historic homes in Uptown, Mid-City, and the Garden Districts, with his latest project located on St. Charles Avenue.  Previously, Christian worked for 13 years as an independent business consultant focusing on strategy, project management, and business planning with small to medium sized companies.  Christian returned to New Orleans as a full time resident in 2005, where he worked as a Senior Business Counselor with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center.  He is an adjunct professor of management in Strategy and Negotiations at the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.  Christian holds an MBA and a Master’s of Global Management from the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, and a B.S. in Textile technology from N.C. State University.  His goal is to breathe new life into neglected homes, elevating their presence in the neighborhood.  He lives in the Lower Garden District with his two dogs, Bentley and Bella.

 Travis

This week's speaker is Christian Galvin and Polly Hardie - Alliance for Neighborhood Prosperity Steve Bradshaw 2016-01-27 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Rafael Goyeneche - Metropolitan Crime Commission

Posted on Jan 19, 2016
 Rafael Goyeneche is a New Orleans native.  He graduated from De La Salle High School, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his juris doctorate from Loyola Law School.  Upon graduation from law school, Rafael served as an assistant district attorney in Orleans Parish between 1980 – 1986.  During his tenure in the D.A.’s office Rafael worked in trials, screening and was appointed chief of the Economic Crime Unit, a unit responsible for investigating and prosecuting white collar crime.

Rafael joined the staff of the Metropolitan Crime Commission in 1986.  He was named president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission in 1989.  He is responsible for managing all aspects of MCC operations.

Rafael was the award recipient of the U. S. Marshal Director’s Citizen of the year Award in 2010; U. S. Attorney General William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement in October 2011; the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Galvez Cup in November 2011, and the Crimestoppers Community Partner Award in March 2012.

 Travis

This week's speaker is Rafael Goyeneche - Metropolitan Crime Commission Steve Bradshaw 2016-01-20 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Nomination - Laura Paul

Posted on Jan 16, 2016
The nominating committee puts forward for membership the following candidate:
 
Proposed new member: Laura Paul    
Position and Employer:  Executive Director, LOWERNINE.ORG
Proposed classification:  Non-Profit Fundraising
Proposed by: Peter A. Waring
 
If you have comments or concerns about approving any of these proposed members, please contact either Michael Bourg or John Olinde. Thank you.
 Mike
New Member Nomination - Laura Paul Steve Bradshaw 2016-01-17 00:00:00Z 0

Contribute Your Coins for St. Xavier's Children

Posted by Alan Case on Jan 12, 2016

"Change for the Children"

We will continue to have the change jar available at the check-in table for all meetings.  The collection will be used to sustain St. Xavier's internet and computer access.  Thank you to all who have contributed and we hope you will feel free to continue to empty your pockets of loose coins at each meeting.  Or if you prefer you can create your own change jar at home and bring it in at one time.  Mary will be more than happy work with you in this effort.

 

Contribute Your Coins for St. Xavier's Children Alan Case 2016-01-13 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Darlene Cusanza - Crimestoppers

Posted on Jan 12, 2016

 Darlene Cusanza, President and CEO of Crimestoppers of GNO, Inc. has served in this capacity for the past nineteen years. Darlene has an excellent reputation within the law enforcement arena, both on a federal, state and local level. Under Darlene’s leadership, Crimestoppers has more than doubled its call volume and cases/crimes solved and expanded its operations to ten parishes with Crimestoppers GNO being called upon as a “best practice” organization. Darlene has also worked to provide crime victim’s families the opportunity to provide visibility for their loved one’s case and find justice, through media relations and community networking.  She is also a regular guest on the WWL Television Morning Show and the WVUE Fox 8 Morning show. The Crimestoppers organization has also worked under her direction to become proactive in providing crime prevention information to the community, specifically to our youth. Darlene implemented the “Safe School hotline” program, which currently operates within 5 parishes and has solved numerous campus crimes. Most recently for her work with the Crimestoppers organization, she has been recognized for the implementation of the Crimestoppers teen leadership program Teen Ambassadors against Crime” which provides high school students to opportunity to learn about the criminal justice system. She has also implemented with our local radio station Q93 our Teen Peace Summit, which has drawn over 6,000 youth to attend.

In 2009,  Ms. Cusanza was awarded the US Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service Director’s Citizen of the Year award the for 2008. Most recently, she was awarded from the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute their “Community Service Award” from her fellow 2015 graduates.  She has also been recognized in 2014 as a  “Ten Most Outstanding Persons award recipient” for the GNO Family Services Society. Ms. Cusanza was named Community Leader of the Year for 2008 by the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and has been named as a Role Model for 2009 by the Young Leadership Council. Darlene has been awarded the Outstanding Organization’s award from the Victims and Citizens Against Crime, named one of the Women of the Year for City Business in 2007, received an Award of Achievement by the Jefferson Parish Public School System for her work developing the Crimestoppers Safe School Hotline and was presented a proclamation recognizing her achievements as the President and CEO by both the Jefferson Parish City Council and the New Orleans City Council.

Under the current Director’s leadership, Crimestoppers has been awarded a Crimestoppers International media award of recognition, been awarded the F.B I. Regional Director’s award and awards of recognition from local crime fighting organizations. She is a charter member and President of the Louisiana Crime Stoppers Association, a graduate from the FBI Citizen’s Academy, currently serving as on the Crimestoppers USA National Board as a Regional Director, an Executive Board member of the New Orleans Crime Coalition, Advisory Council Member at Large for the GNO Drug Demand Reduction Coalition.

Previous professional experience includes serving for 13 years as the Director of Continuing Professional Education and Member Services, Society of Louisiana CPAs and State Director of Patient Services, Multiple Sclerosis Society. Ms. Cusanza holds a Bachelors degree from L.S.U.M.C.-School of Allied Health Professions.

This week's speaker is Darlene Cusanza - Crimestoppers Steve Bradshaw 2016-01-13 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Tommy Fonseca - GNO, Inc.

 Vice President of Corporate Relations

Greater New Orleans, Inc. is a regional economic development alliance serving the 10-parish region of Southeast Louisiana.

OUR MISSION is to serve as the catalyst for wealth creation in the 10-parish region of Southeastern Louisiana. GNO, Inc. will accomplish this by pursuing an aggressive agenda of business development—marketing the region—and product development—improving regional business conditions through policy, workforce, and research initiatives.
OUR VISION is for the Greater New Orleans region to fulfill its potential as one of the best places in the country to grow a company and raise a family. The ultimate indication of success for GNO, Inc. will be the presence of a robust and growing middle class in Southeastern Louisiana.
OUR REGION is composed of the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington.
 Travis
This week's speaker is Tommy Fonseca - GNO, Inc. Steve Bradshaw 2016-01-06 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary Holiday Entertainer - Melanie Gardner Steve Bradshaw 2015-12-23 00:00:00Z 0
2015 NORFI Grant Recipient - Liberty's Kitchen Steve Bradshaw 2015-12-16 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Nomination - Tricia H. Vise

The nominating committee puts forward for membership the following candidate:
 
Proposed new member: Tricia H. Vise
Position and Employer:  General Manager, Hampton Inn & Suites
Proposed classification:  Hotel Management
Proposed by: Karen Sulzer
 
If you have comments or concerns about approving any of these proposed members, please contact either Michael Bourg or John Olinde. Thank you.
New Member Nomination - Tricia H. Vise Steve Bradshaw 2015-12-09 00:00:00Z 0

2015 NORFI Grant Recipient - International School of Louisiana

 In 2000, a group of parents disenchanted with New Orleans’ behind-the-curve school system joined together to form a Spanish and French immersion school—the only school chartered before Katrina that would see continued success and a thriving student population after the storm. These parents envisioned and founded a tuition-free, non-selective charter school that believes in purposefully cultivating diversity—linguistically, socioeconomically, regionally, racially, culturally—as a way of enhancing education.
 
2015 NORFI Grant Recipient - International School of Louisiana Steve Bradshaw 2015-12-02 00:00:00Z 0
New Orleans Rotary Thanksgiving Day Project Steve Bradshaw 2015-11-25 00:00:00Z 0

Art Laffer - Political Economic Overview

​ Laffer Investments was founded in 1999 by Dr. Arthur B. Laffer and Arthur B. LafferJr.  Laffer Investments is a global asset manager that combines innovative economic research and analysis with real-world capital markets experience to create unique investment offerings.

Arthur B LafferJr. is President, Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager with over 25 years of financial services experience.  His responsibilities at Laffer Investments include overseeing all marketing, client relations, operations and financial activities for the firm. 

 Travis

Art Laffer - Political Economic Overview Steve Bradshaw 2015-11-18 00:00:00Z 0

Spelling Bee

Posted on Nov 10, 2015
The 2015 Rotary Spelling Bee was a great evening and a had a wonderful showing!  Rotarians, friends of the club and Warren Easton and Ben Franklin students all put their best foot (or should we say mouth) forward and put in some serious competition this year.  We had a lot of fun and raised a lot of money towards our scholarship fund.
 
Special thanks again to our event sponsors!!!
 
Grand Krewe - Fine Wine and Spirits
Home Care Solutions - In Home Care, Aging Life Care Specialists
Gulf Coast Bank and Trust
 
Spelling Bee Winners
 
1st Place: Grand Kreweless
Carla Arriola
Cecil Haskins
Ken Goode
 
2nd Place: The Newlyweds
Dianne McGraw 
Alex McGraw 
Betty Tedesco
Ken Tedesco
 
Thank you also to Junior Achievement for allowing us to utilize their amazing Biz Town venue, to Direct Mail Plus for the wonderful signage for the event, Avery's Po-Boys for the delicious food, to Grande Krewe Fine Wine & Spirits for the tasty wine and to Anthony Tocco for helping compile our comprehensive spelling words.  Our amazing MC for the evening Mark Romig and our on the ball judge, Tommy Moore both added fun while maintaining fairness. And to the event chairs, Michele Guerin and Bootsie Smith, thank you for a job well done!
 
And to all of those who volunteered their time and efforts to make this event a success, THANK YOU!
 
Tara W. Knowles
Spelling Bee Steve Bradshaw 2015-11-11 00:00:00Z 0
Spelling Bee Pics Steve Bradshaw 2015-11-11 00:00:00Z 0

Our speaker this week is Elizabeth Williams, President and Director - Southern Food and Beverage Museum

 Always fascinated by the way the lure of nutmeg and peppercorns motivated the exploration of the world, Liz Williams was lucky to be born into a family of Sicilian heritage in New Orleans.  She grew up eating in two great food traditions.   She is a founder and President of the SoFAB Institute, the parent organization of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.  Much of her research and writing centers on the legal and policy issues related to food and foodways. Her book, coauthored with Stephanie Jane Carter, The Encyclopedia of Law and Food, was published by Greenwood Publishing in 2011. In 2013 AltaMira published New Orleans: A Food Biography. Her book at the drinking culture of New Orleans is due out in fall 2015, published by LSU Press.

A graduate of Louisiana State University (BA, English) and Louisiana State University Law Center (JD) she has served in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate General (JAG).  She has practiced law in Washington, DC and Louisiana. She has written many articles for a variety of magazines and journals, has served as judge in many cooking competitions, and has consulted internationally on the food of New Orleans. Travel is an excuse to eat in new places. She is a member of the Folklife Commission, State of Louisiana.

 Travis

Our speaker this week is Elizabeth Williams, President and Director - Southern Food and Beverage Museum Steve Bradshaw 2015-11-11 00:00:00Z 0
Rotarians at Second Harvest Steve Bradshaw 2015-10-31 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Nomination - Heather Kirk and Robin M. Giarrusso

Posted on Oct 27, 2015
The nominating committee puts forward for membership the following candidate:
 
Proposed new member: Heather Kirk
Position and Employer:  Lawyer - Associate, Jones Walker, LLP
Proposed classification:  Law - Business & Commercial Litigation
Proposed by: Randy Feldman
 
AND
 
The nominating committee puts forward for membership the following candidate:
 
Proposed new member: Robin M. Giarrusso
Position and Employer:  Judge, Parish of Orleans, Civil Court
Proposed classification:  Law-Judge
Proposed by: Susan Simon
 
If you have comments or concerns about approving this proposed member, please contact either Michael Bourg or John Olinde. Thank you.
 
 Mike
New Member Nomination - Heather Kirk and Robin M. Giarrusso Steve Bradshaw 2015-10-28 00:00:00Z 0

Columbia Rotary: Update on fundraising efforts for flood relief.

Posted on Oct 27, 2015
The Rotary Club of New Orleans will match $1,185 individual donations from Club members.  With the match we will contribute a total of $2,370 to South Carolina flood victims.  Thank you to those Rotarians participating:
 
Dianne McGraw   William Klotz    Gayle Dellinger
Mary Bonfanti    Joe Friend
Joshua Danzig    Ward Rice
Susan Simon    Bob Heaps
Michael Duplantier    Bob Clark
Shelby McIntosh    
 
Please let Tara know if we missed your donation.  If you missed the Club match deadline you can still donate on line at the link below to the Columbia Rotary Education Foundation established by the Columbia Rotary Club. 
 
The Columbia Rotary Club, District 7770, located in Columbia, SC and is the largest Rotary Club in South Carolina.  Your donation is given through the Columbia Rotary Education Foundation and is tax deductible.
 
New Orleans Rotarians CLICK HERE to donate now!
 
Columbia Rotary: Update on fundraising efforts for flood relief. Steve Bradshaw 2015-10-28 00:00:00Z 0
Our speaker this week is Tommy Boudreaux of Clean Scene Steve Bradshaw 2015-10-21 00:00:00Z 0

Our speaker is Ed Quatrevaux - New Orleans Inspector General

Posted on Oct 13, 2015

Mr. Quatrevaux is a native New Orleanian who earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of New Orleans in 1969, and an MBA from Tulane University in 1975.

He served as an Army officer from 1967-1987, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He was twice a company commander in Vietnam, and his other assignments included Chief of Seaport Operations in Europe, and Logistics Force Structure Analyst on the Army General Staff.  He led a landmark study that re-designed the Army’s transportation units, doubling the productivity of those units and reducing manpower requirements by 60,000.  His final Army assignment was as Inspector General of the Defense Department’s joint service transportation agency.  There he evaluated domestic and international shipping, and made recommendations with the potential for $10 billion in annual savings.

Mr. Quatrevaux was Senior Defense Analyst for the General Research Corporation (1988-1990), where he led contract studies for the U.S. Air Force and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Program Analysis and Evaluation.

From 1991 through 2000, he was the Inspector General of the Legal Services Corporation, a federal entity which makes grants for legal aid to poor people.  He led an evaluation of the use of information technology in the delivery of legal services, which greatly expanded the number of people served with little increase in cost.

Mr. Quatrevaux then founded a company that purchased an accredited college and converted it to an online, distance education format.  He sold his interest in 2004.

He retired to Mandeville and now resides in Orleans parish.  He has served as the New Orleans Inspector General since September of 2009. 

 Travis

Our speaker is Ed Quatrevaux - New Orleans Inspector General Steve Bradshaw 2015-10-14 00:00:00Z 0

Thanksgiving Project:

Posted on Oct 06, 2015
Thanksgiving Project:
 
There will be an organizational meeting @ 11:30 before Wednesday's general gathering on Wednesday, October 7th. All those interested in participating in the project are invited and encouraged to attend!  
 
 Mary
Thanksgiving Project: Steve Bradshaw 2015-10-07 00:00:00Z 0

Ron Forman - President and CEO, Audubon Nature Institute

Posted on Oct 06, 2015

 A past president of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Ron Forman began his tenure with Audubon Park and Zoological Garden in l972 as City Hall liaison.  Made Deputy Director in l973 and Executive Director in l977, he led the effort of the major transformation of Audubon Zoo from an "urban ghetto" to an "urban Eden”.

During the 80's, the Audubon Nature Institute, Inc. evolved from the Friends of the Zoo organization and assumed operation of Audubon Park and Zoo.  Plans were made, with overwhelming voter support, for a downtown park and aquarium.  Woldenberg Riverfront Park opened in l989 and was followed in l990 by the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

The Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center on the West Bank of the Mississippi River opened late in l993.  An important component of it, the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, opened in l996

The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, located in Eastern New Orleans, merged into the family of Audubon facilities in l994.  The Nature Center, devastated by Hurricane Katrina, operates the programs at the Audubon Wilderness Park located adjacent to the Species Survival Center.

The Entergy IMAX Theatre, adjacent to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, opened in October of l995, while phase II of the Aquarium, a changing exhibits gallery, opened in the spring of l996.  The Audubon Insectarium, located in the U.S. Custom House, opened in 2008.

Forman serves locally as Chairman of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, a member of the Executive Committee of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau and the New Orleans Business Council, and as Chairman of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Board.  A past member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Museums, he is also on the Advisory Committee of Chimp Haven.

Forman is a New Orleans native and a graduate of Louisiana State University.  Married to the former Sally Gelpi, he is the father of three and grandfather of three.

 Travis

Ron Forman - President and CEO, Audubon Nature Institute Steve Bradshaw 2015-10-07 00:00:00Z 0

New member nominations - Cindy Hart & Cedric Grant

Posted on Sep 29, 2015
The nominating committee is happy to put forward for membership the following candidates:
 
Proposed new member: Cindy Hart
Position and Employer:  Executive Director of Suite Sales, New Orleans Saints
Proposed classification:  Sales - Professional Sports
Proposed by: Karen Sulzer
 
Proposed new member: Cedric Grant
Position and Employer:  Executive Director, Sewage and Water Board of New Orleans
Proposed classification:  Management - Governmental Agencies
Proposed by: Andre Rubenstein
 
If you have comments or concerns about approving any of these proposed members, please contact either Michael Bourg or John Olinde. Thank you.
 Mike
New member nominations - Cindy Hart & Cedric Grant Steve Bradshaw 2015-09-30 00:00:00Z 0
We meet Wednesday, September 30, 2015, in The Theatre in Harrah’s Casino Steve Bradshaw 2015-09-30 00:00:00Z 0

Will Donaldson - St. Roch Market

Posted on Sep 29, 2015
 Will Donaldson is an entrepreneur and real estate developer with interests in hospitality, food & beverage, office, and residential real estate. He is a co-founder of Launch Pad in New Orleans’ CBD, which has been home to multiple venture-backed startups. It has been featured Entrepreneur Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times, among many other publications.

He is also the co-founder of St. Roch Market, which is the South’s first Food Hall. St Roch features 13 independent food-service entrepreneurs focusing on coastal and local foods. The unique project has garnered the attention of National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times Magazine, Garden and Gun and Southern Living, among many others.

Mr. Donaldson is an avid long-distance sailor with more than 15,000 miles of sailing experience. He is a firm believer in continuing education and responsible enterprise. He holds an M.B.A. from the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University where he graduated Cum Laude and a B.A. in Anthropology from Loyola University in New Orleans where he also graduated Cum Laude

 Travis

Will Donaldson - St. Roch Market Steve Bradshaw 2015-09-30 00:00:00Z 0

Flower Delivery Report & Photos

Posted on Sep 27, 2015
The Nursing Home Flower Delivery was a success!  All in all we had 11 flower arranging volunteers whom created 110 vases that were delivered by 4 drivers to 11 retirement communities:

Belle Vie Living Center, Carrington Place of New Orleans, Chateau de Notre Dame, HomeLife in the Gardens, Landing at Behrman Place, Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare, Peristyle Residences, Poydras Home, St. Margaret’s at Belleville, Woldenberg Village, and Vista Shores.

Thank you to all who participated and helped brighten and touch so many members of our community!
 Monque
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flower Delivery Report & Photos Steve Bradshaw 2015-09-28 00:00:00Z 0

Michelle Cullison - Social Media Do's & Don'ts for Leaders with a little lagniappe - LinkedIn 101

Posted on Sep 22, 2015

 Michelle Cullison, Digital Marketing Consultant and President of Daystar New Media (est. 2000), equips organizations to expand from web site to web presence to achieve REAL business objectives. From modems and Mosaic (circa 1993) to the social mobile web of 2015, she has helped hundreds of businesses utilize the Web to its fullest business potential. Whether clients are looking to use social media for internal communications, SEO, marketing, PR, or customer support, Michelle is the social media go-to person.

As a Professional Member of the National Speakers Association, Michelle has spoken to associations, organizations, and corporations, delivering her content customized to suit the needs of the client. From keynotes and after-dinner speeches to full-day seminars and breakouts, her easy to understand technology talks leave audiences with a deep understanding of why, how, and when to use new communication tools like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Michelle’s rich experience and ability to tell stories that teach applied business and technology will keep your audience engaged and leave them equipped for doing business online.

Michelle Cullison - Social Media Do's & Don'ts for Leaders with a little lagniappe - LinkedIn 101 Steve Bradshaw 2015-09-23 00:00:00Z 0

Adopt-a-Street

Posted by John Olinde on Sep 07, 2015
The Rotary Club of New Orleans has adopted one block of Poydras Street with the aim of keeping it litter free and full of healthy plants.
Adopt-a-Street John Olinde 2015-09-08 00:00:00Z 0
Meeting Details for the 12th Oldest Club in the World Kevin Laborde 2015-09-08 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Chef Leah Sarris - Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine

Posted on Sep 06, 2015

 Chef Leah obtained her BS in Culinary Nutrition from the prestigious Johnson & Wales University, who is partnering with Tulane in this endeavor. Besides her schooling, her love of food, nutrition and agriculture stem from her past years spent teaching students and the community in the university and non-profit sectors; her work in agriculture through farming and involvement in the Farm to School program; and her experience working in the foodservice industry, in both the restaurant and manufacturing sectors. She is very enthusiastic and dedicated to the program at Tulane, and excited to be part of such a forward-thinking endeavor. To our knowledge, she is the first chef to be formally employed by a medical school.

As program director, Chef Leah spends a lot of time developing and teaching curriculum for medical students, the community and continuing education for the healthcare and foodservice industry. She is working continuously to build community partnerships with local and national organizations and to get students hands-on experience in community outreach, so they too can also understand the rewards and challenges of nutrition intervention.

 Travis

This week's speaker is Chef Leah Sarris - Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine Steve Bradshaw 2015-09-07 00:00:00Z 0

"Change for the Children"

Posted on Aug 25, 2015
We will continue to have the change jar available at the check-in table for all meetings.  The collection will be used to sustain  St. Xavier's internet and computer access.  We hope you will feel free to empty your pockets of loose coins at each meeting, or if you prefer you can create your own change jar at home and bring it in at one time.  We will be more than happy work with you in this effort.
 Mary
"Change for the Children" Steve Bradshaw 2015-08-26 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Paul Soniat - Songs of Katrina

Posted on Aug 25, 2015
 A self-taught musician, Paul was born on Soniat Street in New Orleans and he began performing in 2004. In 2005 he produced his first CD, the highly successful ‘Born in New Orleans’ – a tribute to his birthplace. Paul’s songs convey the special insights into New Orleans known only to a native New Orleanian. As a line in the title song ‘Born in New Orleans’ states: “I couldn’t write this song if I wasn’t born in New Orleans.

Shortly after Katrina, Paul produced his second CD ‘Below the Water Line’, an emotional collection of songs dealing with the upheaval of everyday life in a city devastated by the worst hurricane in its history. In addition to serious, emotional songs relating to Katrina, ‘Below the Water Line’ also contains humorous, thought-provoking songs such as ‘Plastic Surgery’ and ‘Mr. Money Talks’.

Paul’s third CD ‘Suddenly’ showcases his growth as a musician and songwriter. Due for release in the Fall of 2012, ‘Suddenly’ is a departure from his solo piano recording of ‘Born in New Orleans’ and ‘Below the Water Line’. It delivers a more sophisticated, complex production and features his songs amplified and performed by some of New Orleans’ top musicians. ‘Suddenly’ is a presentation of many different musical styles such as Country, Caribbean and Cajun, and it demonstrates Paul’s versatility as a musician and songwriter.

This year marks Paul’s 30th as Director of the New Orleans Botanical Garden. During his three decades as its director, Paul has taken the garden from an obscure, forgotten spot in City Park to one of significant prominence. Development of the New Orleans Botanical Garden has had, and continues to have, a tremendous impact upon the ongoing, positive growth of New Orleans’ entire City Park area.
 Travis
This week's speaker is Paul Soniat - Songs of Katrina Steve Bradshaw 2015-08-26 00:00:00Z 0
This week's speaker is John Cornwell - 6840 District Governor 2015 - 2016 Steve Bradshaw 2015-08-17 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Nomination - Elizabeth 'Liz' Ackal

Posted on Aug 10, 2015
The nominating committee puts forward for membership the following candidate:

Proposed new member: Elizabeth 'Liz' Ackal
Position and Employer:  Broker, Latter & Blum
Proposed classification:  Real Estate
Proposed by: Susan Simon
 
If you have comments or concerns about approving any of these proposed members, please contact either Michael Bourg or John Olinde. Thank you.
 Michael
New Member Nomination - Elizabeth 'Liz' Ackal Steve Bradshaw 2015-08-11 00:00:00Z 0

Bob Marshall - The Lens

Posted on Aug 09, 2015

 Bob Marshall is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has covered the people, stories and environmental issues of Louisiana’s wetlands more than 35 years for The Times-Picayune, the New Orleans newspaper, as well as national publications. He now writes for The Lens. An avid outdoorsman, he has spent much of his adult life in the marshes and swamps of South Louisiana, charting the demise of wetlands he calls “my office and playground.

In 1996 he was co-author of the Pulitzer-winning series “Oceans of Trouble” examining the plight of the world’s fisheries and the decline of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. In 2005 he investigated the missteps in building the New Orleans levees and floodwalls that caused 80% of New Orleans to flood during and after Hurricane Katrina, part of the package that won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

In 2007 Marshall was co-author of the series entitled “Last Chance: The Fight to Save a Disappearing Coast,” about Louisiana’s coastal erosion problems, which won top awards from Columbia University and the National Academies of Sciences.

 Travis

Bob Marshall - The Lens Steve Bradshaw 2015-08-10 00:00:00Z 0

Carl Arredondo - Chief Meterologist WWL-TV

Posted on Jul 31, 2015
 Carl
"As a kid growing up in Texas I was always fascinated by the weather," says WWL-TV Chief Meteorologist Carl Arredondo. "I was always found by the window looking outside when thunderstorms were coming by..." One day, a television meteorologist visited Carl's junior high school in San Antonio to speak about weather during a Career Day. "From that day on, being a meteorologist was what I wanted to do."
He took all of the math and science courses he could find, and went on to study Meteorology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. While pursuing his degree, Carl received hands-on experience in the field by working at a private weather company called the Institute for Storm Research, which provides offshore clients around the world with valuable weather data.
After earning his bachelor's degree in May of 1985, Carl continued working for the I.S.R. for another year. "During that year, I was fortunate enough to be sent to the southern tip of Argentina to forecast for a French oil platform for two months. The experience was wonderful." 
Carl took his first broadcasting job as the Weekday Meteorologist at a small TV station in Brownsville, Texas. Similar positions at stations in Corpus Christi and Laredo, Texas followed. Then in 1988, Carl moved to Atlanta, Georgia to become an On-camera Meteorologist at The Weather Channel.
"Working at The Weather Channel was very beneficial because I was able to work with meteorologists from all parts of the country," he says. "It helped me to get an all around education of different weather events, particularly tropical and severe weather activity."
Carl earned his American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval in 1989, and two years later, he left Atlanta to come to WWL-TV, Channel 4 in New Orleans. "Louisiana weather is very important to everyone because it can change rapidly and I try to keep that in mind for the people who work outside, the fishing community, and parents who have to dress their kids for everyday activities." Carl lives on the Northshore with his son Carl IV.
As Chief Meteorologist for WWL-TV, Carl was interviewed by The Weather Channel for his insight on the path of Hurricane Georges during the storm's historic approach for the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Carl was interviewed by many media outlets not only in the United States, but also around the world on his experiences before, during, and after Katrina. Carl was the only staff meterologist on the air during the entire event and the only TV meteorologist broadcasting in New Orleans during Katrina. Carl's home had 3-4' of water and lost just about everything due to Katrina. 
Carl earned the Associated Press "Best Weathercast" for 2000 and the Press Club of New Orleans "Best Weathercast" for 2002.

 Travis

Carl Arredondo - Chief Meterologist WWL-TV Steve Bradshaw 2015-08-01 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is John Burns - Jack & Jakes Public Market

Posted by Travis Tresca on Jul 26, 2015
Jack & Jake’s has programmed the space located inside the former Myrtle Banks Elementary School building (1307 O.C. Haley Blvd) as a unique food market that builds upon New Orleans’ historic tradition of public markets and introduces affordable, fresh food to an underserved population and food desert in Central City. The market emphasizes fresh heirloom vegetables and other local produce, heritage breed meats, cheese, and fresh Gulf seafood. Healthy prepared foods based on New Orleans culture and cuisine are also a focal point where many ingredients are made from scratch inside the market. The market’s diverse local product offerings, in partnership with established vendors, will create a major food destination for local residents and visitors to New Orleans.
 Travis
This week's speaker is John Burns - Jack & Jakes Public Market Travis Tresca 2015-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

New Application for Membership - Karen Sulzer

Posted by Michael Bourg on Jul 19, 2015

The nominating committee puts forward for membership the following candidate:

Proposed new member: Karen Sulzer

Position and Employer:  President, Sulzer Group

Proposed classification: Architecture-Construction Project Management

Proposed by: Randy Feldman

If you have comments or concerns about approving any of these proposed members, please contact either Michael Bourg or John Olinde. Thank you.

Image Michael

New Application for Membership - Karen Sulzer Michael Bourg 2015-07-20 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is Brian Bordainick - CEO, Dinner Lab

Posted by Travis Tresca on Jun 28, 2015

Image Brian Bordainick is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Dinner Lab. He started his career in education through Teach for America, teaching 11th and 12th grade at Carver High School in New Orleans. Brian then founded the 9th Ward Field of Dreams to support the construction of a state-of-the-art football field and track on Carver’s campus in the upper 9th ward. The organization raised over $1.8M in less than two years. After that, he worked for the Mayor of New Orleans transitioning the recreation department of 102 employees out of City Hall to a public/private partnership, and most recently he ran the Investment Portfolio for 4.0 Schools, a non-profit that invests in early stage ideas in education. He was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (2012) list and holds a B.A. in History from the University of Georgia.

Image Travis

This week's speaker is Brian Bordainick - CEO, Dinner Lab Travis Tresca 2015-06-29 00:00:00Z 0
Service Above Self Award Presentations Tara Knowles 2015-06-08 00:00:00Z 0

"Together By Design" PROJECT by Peter Waring

Posted by Peter Waring on Mar 03, 2015

Do you have $50.00? Please bring your check for $50.00 or more TODAY for the "Together by Design" project with the Newfoundland Rotary club.

 

Image Peter

"Together By Design" PROJECT by Peter Waring Peter Waring 2015-03-04 00:00:00Z 0

Mary Lou Specha, Executive Director Hotel Hope - Homeless situation in New Orleans

Posted by Travis Tresca on Feb 22, 2015

ImageMary Lou Specha, PBVM, a Sister of the Presentation for over 25 years is an experienced nonprofit executive. Sister Mary Lou most recently served as the Executive Director of Café Reconcile. She has a decade of nonprofit leadership and administration and a career devoted to working for systemic change. Sister Mary Lou has experience in fundraising, strategic planning, nonprofit board developmentand fiscal reporting. Sister Mary Lou lives in Central City, New Orleans, and is committed to neighborhood revitalization. Sister Mary Lou believes in the mission of Hotel Hope and is committed to serving families with love and compassion.

Image Travis

Mary Lou Specha, Executive Director Hotel Hope - Homeless situation in New Orleans Travis Tresca 2015-02-23 00:00:00Z 0
We meet TODAY, Wednesday, January 14, 2015 in The Stadium Club at Manning's Tara Knowles 2015-01-14 00:00:00Z 0

Edouard Quatrevaux - New Orleans Inspector General

Posted by Travis Tresca on Sep 28, 2014

ImageMr. Quatrevaux is a native New Orleanian who earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of New Orleans in 1969, and an MBA from Tulane University in 1975.

He served as an Army officer from 1967-1987, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He was twice a company commander in Vietnam, and his other assignments included Chief of Seaport Operations in Europe, and Logistics Force Structure Analyst on the Army General Staff.  He led a landmark study that re-designed the Army’s transportation units, doubling the productivity of those units and reducing manpower requirements by 60,000.  His final Army assignment was as Inspector General of the Defense Department’s joint service transportation agency.  There he evaluated domestic and international shipping, and made recommendations with the potential for $10 billion in annual savings.

Mr. Quatrevaux was Senior Defense Analyst for the General Research Corporation (1988-1990), where he led contract studies for the U.S. Air Force and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Program Analysis and Evaluation.

From 1991 through 2000, he was the Inspector General of the Legal Services Corporation, a federal entity which makes grants for legal aid to poor people.  He led an evaluation of the use of information technology in the delivery of legal services, which greatly expanded the number of people served with little increase in cost.

Mr. Quatrevaux then founded a company that purchased an accredited college and converted it to an online, distance education format.  He sold his interest in 2004.

He retired to Mandeville and now resides in Orleans parish.  He has served as the New Orleans Inspector General since September of 2009. 

Edouard Quatrevaux - New Orleans Inspector General Travis Tresca 2014-09-29 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY BLOOD DRIVE

Posted by Michael Duplantier on Sep 14, 2014

                                                               BLOOD DRIVE
                                                  Wednesday, September 17, 2014    
                                                                   11am-2pm
                             Our club will sponsor a blood drive with The Blood Center on
                             September 17. Blood donations can be given before, during and
                             after our weekly meeting. A blood donation room will be set up
                             in Harrah’s Hotel, in a room adjacent to our luncheon meeting.
                             All Rotarians and non-Rotarians are invited and encouraged to
                             participate in this important service project. Non-Rotarian donors 
                             will be a guest of the club at the luncheon this day. Contact
                             Michael Duplantier (524-1071; duplantier@bellsouth.net) to
                             schedule an appointment for your donation.   

ROTARY BLOOD DRIVE Michael Duplantier 2014-09-15 00:00:00Z 0

Peter Ricchiuti - Market Signals: What The Financial Markets Are Telling Us Now

Posted by Travis Tresca on Aug 31, 2014

ImageA Funny Economist?... I’ve Never Heard of Such A Thing

Peter Ricchiuti (Ri-Shooty) is the business school professor you wish you had back in college! He teaches at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business where his insight and humor have twice made him the school’s top professor.

Peter started his career with the investment firm of Kidder Peabody and later managed over three billion dollars as the assistant treasurer for the state of Louisiana. In 1993 he founded Tulane’s highly acclaimed BURKENROAD REPORTS student stock research program. Peter also hosts a popular weekly business show on National Public Radio in New Orleans called "Out To Lunch" and recently published his first book "STOCKS UNDER ROCKS".

He has been featured on CNN and CNBC as well as in The New York Times, BARRON’S, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. Over the past twenty years Peter has addressed more than 1000 groups in 47 states and several countries. He has presented to a wide variety of audiences including workshops for the New Orleans Saints.

Peter Ricchiuti - Market Signals: What The Financial Markets Are Telling Us Now Travis Tresca 2014-09-01 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker: Michael Oblinger, Tiger Athletic Foundation

Posted by Travis Tresca on Aug 10, 2014

ImageThe Tiger Athletic Foundation ("TAF") is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to supporting LSU and its Athletic Program. TAF is administered by its own board of directors, comprised of TAF donors, which meets quarterly. Officers of the corporation are elected bi-annually. This document introduces the opportunities that exist for your participation in the work being carried out by TAF and the many opportunities that exist for your participation as a Tiger fan and supporter of one of the great institutions of higher learning in the land.

Louisiana State University has a proud athletic tradition, highlighted by scores of Southeastern Conference and NCAA championships in more than 20 men's and women's varsity sports. Thanks to the generosity of its members, TAF continues to play an integral role in sustaining that outstanding tradition. As the primary source of private funding for LSU athletics, TAF's mission is clear - to lead the university in building a comprehensively superior athletic program.

This week's speaker: Michael Oblinger, Tiger Athletic Foundation Travis Tresca 2014-08-11 00:00:00Z 0

This week's speaker is: Mark Romig - The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation

Posted by Travis Tresca on Aug 03, 2014

ImageA native New Orleanian, Mark is the President/CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC), the city’s official leisure travel promotion agency responsible for enhancing the tourism industry through effective marketing and promotional programs.

An established public relations and marketing professional and is currently accredited (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America. Mark has been involved in a variety of historic and milestone events throughout his career, including the development of the Hotel Inter-Continental New Orleans, the 1984 Louisiana World’s Fair, U.S. presidential nomination attempts by both Elizabeth and Bob Dole, the successful 1999 reopening of Harrah’s New Orleans, the 2006 Sugar Bowl (only Sugar Bowl game ever to be played outside of New Orleans due to Katrina) and the wildly successful Idea Village New Orleans Entrepreneur Week and the recently New Orleans-based Super Bowl XLVII (47).

Most recently, Mark also took over the role as stadium announcer at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the New Orleans Saints from his father, Jerry who served in the same role for 44 years and 446 consecutive games.   

Prior to joining NOTMC, Mark served several years as Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations for HCA Inc. – Delta Division (Hospital Corporation of America). Mark joined HCA after a sixteen year career at Peter A. Mayer Advertising. Named Top Executive by the Advertising Club of New Orleans in 2002, he was promoted to President of Peter A. Mayer Advertising’s Public Relations Division in 2004, managing a staff of ten professionals and dozens of clients. Prior to joining the agency in 1992, Mark served as Vice President – Public Affairs for New Orleans-based Hibernia National Bank. From 1985 to 1987, and then again for a brief period in 1988, Mark served on the Secretary’s staff at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.  There, he worked as a Staff Assistant to Secretary Elizabeth H. Dole, and also performed a similar role for Mrs. Dole during her husband’s run for the presidential nomination in 1987-88.

This week's speaker is: Mark Romig - The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation Travis Tresca 2014-08-04 00:00:00Z 0

Repair Washington: A Practical Proposal for a Constituional Convention - Sid Pulitzer

Posted by Travis Tresca on Jul 27, 2014

ImageSidney Pulitzer graduated the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He served two years in the US Navy aboard the USS Howard Gilmore as commissary and disbursing officer in support of submarines.

Joined Wemco, a family firm manufacturing men’s neckwear in 1959 and served as a key executive for thirty-seven years. He has authored and published three books on banking and one on military preparedness. In 1968, Pulitzer incorporated Advance Planning Consultants, an SEC registered investment firm, and publishes his Internet investment service at LTgrowth.com.

He is an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Freemen School of Business, Tulane University, and has just completed his 19th year of teaching.

Pulitzer has served on the Board of Directors of many  business, civic and charitable organizations.

He is married to the former Joyce Samuelson and just celebrated their 52nd anniversary.  They have a son, Sidney Copeland Pulitzer, Jr., and daughter C.C. Lemann married to Monte Lemann, and they have  two grandsons Monte Lemann III, and Spencer Lemann.

Repair Washington: A Practical Proposal for a Constituional Convention - Sid Pulitzer Travis Tresca 2014-07-28 00:00:00Z 0

No Noon Meeting This Week - Special Evening Meeting - RSVP requested

Posted by Steve Bradshaw on Jun 22, 2014

New Officers & Board Installation Ceremony

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM     Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Cafe Reconcile -  Hospitality Center, Second Floor

1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd

New Orleans, LA 70113

Parking is available

Dress: Business Casual

No Noon Meeting This Week - Special Evening Meeting - RSVP requested Steve Bradshaw 2014-06-23 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary Scholarship Recipients Christine Hoffman 2013-06-10 00:00:00Z 0

2013 NORFI Grant Recipients

Posted by Christine Hoffman on May 02, 2013

1.      New Orleans Concert Band

2.      Waldorf School of N.O.

3.      Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans

4.      Benjamin Franklin H.S. Interact Club

5.      Warren Easton School Library

6.      AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps

7.      Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

8.      The Good Shepherd School

9.      Smiles2Geaux

10.   Breakthrough N.O. (Formerly “Summerbridge N.O.”)

11.   Raintree Children & Family Services

12.   Playworks New Orleans

13.   Southern Food & Beverage Institute

14.   N.O. Ballet Association

15.   Committee for a Better N.O.

16.   N. O. Police & Justice Foundation

17.  The Advocacy Center

18.   American Diabetes Assoc.

19.   Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater N.O. & Acadiana

20.   CASA New Orleans

21.   Covenant House N.O.

22.   Junior Achievement of Greater N.O.

23.   Ulster Project - New Orleans

24.   The Pro Bono Project

25.   American Red Cross SE LA Chapter

26.   Haynes Symphonic Band

27. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA)

2013 NORFI Grant Recipients Christine Hoffman 2013-05-03 00:00:00Z 0
Warren Easton Brick Campaign Christine Hoffman 2013-04-15 00:00:00Z 0
Today's Speaker: Archie Manning Christine Hoffman 2013-04-15 00:00:00Z 0
This week's meeting location - Fulton Street Rooms in the Hotel Christine Hoffman 2013-04-15 00:00:00Z 0

SERVICE ABOVE SELF - Shots for Tots

Posted by Christine Hoffman on Apr 11, 2013

Rotarians stuffed about 2800 envelopes with 64,500 information cards about immunization in them.  These will reach every corner and byway of Louisisana -- something to be proud about -- our Club's volunteering made this happen! 

 

Special thanks to Rotarian Tommy Moore, of Direct Mail Plus, who made his offices available to make this happen. 

 

 

SERVICE ABOVE SELF - Shots for Tots Christine Hoffman 2013-04-12 00:00:00Z 0

Thanks for helping - Poydras Street Project

Posted by Christine Hoffman on Mar 24, 2013

Image

Fun was had by all at the Saturday planting and clean up.  More than ten Rotarians (not all pictured here) helped plant 7 flats of pink flowers on our neutral ground spot. We topped off the hard work with lunch and beverages.  Thanks to everyone for making our little slice of New Orleans beautiful!!

ROTARY NEW ORLEANS NEUTRAL GROUND TRASH PICKUP DETAILS
The schedule for the next few months is given below:

Week of:

March 25: Brian Mora, Patrick Ainsworth, Dorothy Nelson

April 1: Josh Danzig, Michelle Guerin, Sid Pulitzer

April 8: Phillip Claverie, Alberto Musto, James LaBlanc

April15: Bob Sharp, Jack Brancewicz, jay Aronson

April 22: Tim Rusnak, Anne Kiefer, Brandon Robb


The neutral ground is located on Poydras Street between Tchoupitoulas Street and South Peters Street. The new signs make it easy to see where you need to go.

Two or three Rotarians are scheduled each week, but you can get creative and have others help if you wish.  If you cannot work during the scheduled week, try to switch off with someone else.

During your week, the deal is to pick up trash or broken limbs you find on the neutral ground.  You can bring your own garbage bag and gloves or you can go to the W Hotel on Poydras and ask for a security officer (Leo or Theodore Davis preferably).  The supplies are kept by the W Hotel for us in a cage near the Security Office.  There is a plastic bin with Rotary's name on it that contains gloves, garbage bags and a set of hand clippers.  There are also 3 orange cones for your use with Rotary's name on them.

The trash pick up takes less than 15 minutes but be careful on the busy street.  After you are finished, just throw the garbage bag into one of the public trash containers on Poydras Street. 

During the year, we will arrange to do more gardening work on the neutral ground and go to lunch afterward.  If you wish to head up one of the projects, please email or speak with John Olinde or Kevin Laborde.

REMEMBER that in addition to keeping up this stretch of Poydras Street, this is a great way to get to know your fellow Rotarians. Also, if you cannot perform your assigned task think about getting a group of younger folks to handle it for you. They can be Interactors, high schoolers looking for community service hours or just folks looking for a way to get involved.

Thanks for helping - Poydras Street Project Christine Hoffman 2013-03-25 00:00:00Z 0

Club Service Accomplishments

Posted by Christine Hoffman on Feb 24, 2013

Club Service Accomplishments to Date – Time to Celebrate

 

In an example of service above self, the Service Committee is happy to report our Club’s impact on the community over the last four months:

 

1.      Planeted 8 flats of pink flowers on our neutral ground location on Poydras

2.      Close to 1,000 public school students received a dictionaries through our distribution – led by John Olinde – with Interacters help

3.      Close to 100 professional suits and outfits were gathered for Grace House/Bridge House – led by Tommy Moore

4.      We raised enough money through our Annual Spelling Bee for 6 - $1,000 scholarships to be handed out in the Spring!  Led by Patty Monju

5.      We raised money, canned good and turkeys for Thanksgiving Baskets for 75 needy families – led by Faun Fenderson – with Interacters help

6.      We sorted six huge pallets of food, boxed  and weighed it all for shipment to food banks across south Louisiana at Second Harvest – led by Mike Bourg with Interacters help.

 

The Service Committee would like to thank all of the Club members who donated time, talent, and treasure to make all of these projects come off so successfully!  We are looking forward to just an active Winter/Spring for our Club.

Club Service Accomplishments Christine Hoffman 2013-02-25 00:00:00Z 0