Rotary

Club of
Fleming Island

Destani Shadrick - PACE Center for Girls

By Alayna Summanen on Monday, April 5, 2021
We had members of the Fleming Island High School’s Interact club join us this morning. They shared their most recent service project of collecting books for Africa. Our speaker was Destani Shadrick from the Pace Center for Girls Inc. Of Clay https://www.pacecenter.org/. She spoke about their organization, mission and new facility.


Dave Childers - All Florida Safety Institute

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, January 28, 2021
We heard from Dave Childers, Program Development Director at the All Florida Safety Institute. He discussed Drivers Training in Florida. Opened in May 2015, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach by Mark Allen. They do driving lessons and testing for all ages. They also help with ticket assistance. Only AAA rated and approved in Florida.


Phyllis Evenson - Travel Agent

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, February 12, 2021
Thank you to Phyllis Evenson of "Travel Experience" for speaking to our club this morning about Travel during Covid 2021. There are still plenty of opportunities to travel in these days of Covid and new experiences are being born out of the desire to social distance on our travels.
Thank you also for those of you who brought donations for the Quigley House.



Laurie Lee from The Legal Department- Business Collaboration

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, February 18, 2021
Our speaker this morning was attorney Laurie Lee, of The Legal Department for Service Professionals, PA. Her topic was "Collaboration is Good for Business".



Starr Keating and Alayna Summanen with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty awarded the Clay County Dental Care and Drs Standish a $2000 check from CBV Cares.

A few members of the Interact Club of St Johns Country Day School (SJCDS) were our guests and were awarded a check from our club for the Mr. SJCDS.

Anita Oldham - Quigley House

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Our speaker this morning was Anita Oldham, the Development Director for Quigley House. They have 2 fundraisers this year- a Wine Gala on April 17th and a golf tournament in October. Please consider supporting one or both of these.




Congratulations to our local hero, Elmer Posick with the James Boys Bicycle Ministry! Thank you for all that you do for our community!

Jennifer Mitchell, St. Johns Water Management

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, March 12, 2021
Our speaker earlier this week was Jennifer Mitchell with St. Johns Water Management. We learned a lot about Florida's water supply and some of the threats we face. It is important that we do our part to conserve water and be responsible with our usage.

Joanie Barrett - Dangers of Social Media

By Alayna Summanen on Tuesday, March 23, 2021
We heard from Joanie Barrett this morning. She spoke about the dangers and watch outs of social media. She cautioned about giving your info away for free and stressed that social media can be used for good or bad. She recommended using the Rotary Four-Way Test as your guide.


Clay Dental Clinic

By Alayna Summanen on Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Our own Clay Dental Clinic was featured in a story in Clay Today. You can read the story here:

https://www.claytodayonline.com/stories/baker-clay-dental-clinic-offering-free-appointments-on-fridays,26121?

Jami Kelly - Lead Senior Living Advisor at Allegro Living

By Alayna Summanen on Saturday, March 27, 2021
We had a full meeting this week with a great speaker, inducting another new member, and our hands on activity.

Jami Kelly, the Lead Senior Living Advisor at Allegro Living, spoke to us today about all of the exciting projects that are under way at Allegro and how they tried to keep their residents entertained during Covid.

As our hands on activity, we wrote notes to residents at Allegro to let them know we were thinking of them.

Welcome to our newest member, Willie P Rothrock. We are so happy you chose to join our club!

Nonie Larson - Service Above Self Award

By Alayna Summanen on Saturday, March 27, 2021
Congratulations to our very own Nonie Larson! She was awarded Rotary International's highest honor, the Service Above Self Award.

Ana Isable Barrientos, President of the Northeast Florida Rotex

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Our Zoom speaker this morning was Ana Isable Barrientos, President of the Northeast Florida Rotex. Her topic was: Rotex, a deeper look into how RYE changes lives.
Rotexers are young people who have completed a Rotary youth exchange and wish to continue service with their local youth exchange program and clubs. These youth, usually between 17 and 30, are not necessarily Rotary members.
For more info: https://rotex.org/

Todd Linder, Director of Cecil Spaceport

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Our speaker was Mr. Todd Linder, Director of Cecil Spaceport. He spoke about Commercial Space Operations in Northeast Florida. We learned about all kinds of cool projects that Cecil Spaceport is a part of that you would never even know.

We had the pleasure of having the President of the Fleming Island High School’s (FIHS) Interact, Sasha and VP, Amanda. They spoke about their glow stick fundraiser for V for Victory and Mr FIHS. If you’re interested in sponsoring, please reach out to Nonie for the sponsor form and information.
If anyone is interested in donating blankets for the Clay County Animal Shelter, please bring them to one of our meetings through December 11th. Or contact Mindy. Boy Scout Troop 482 and Girl Scout Troop 1634 are collecting.

Francia Vogini with Husky Haven of Florida

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, November 12, 2020
We appreciate all of our veterans and specifically the many that are members of our club.

For our Veterans Day meeting, our speaker was Francia Vogini, representing Husky Haven of Florida. Husky Haven is an organization that rescues homeless Siberian Huskies. For more information on the organization and all of the things they do, you can visit their website at https://www.huskyhavenfl.org/

We also got to celebrate Martha's birthday this morning with Mr Wonderful!


Annual Fall Social and Chili Cookoff 2020

By Alayna Summanen on Monday, November 9, 2020
Our Annual Fall Social and Chili Cookoff was a great success. Thanks to all who attended and also those who brought non-perishable donations for the food pantry. We were also able to take some time to acknowledge all of the veterans who attended and hear a little bit about their times of service. Congratulations to the 2020 Chili Cookoff winner - Sondra Santana!!!


Mike Cella - Clay County Commissioner, District 1

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Thank you Mike Cella, Clay County Commissioner-District 1, who was our speaker this morning! Their focus has been on infrastructure. Pictures-Projects coming up in the next 2 years, Road projects-First Coast Expressway (toll road), Governors Park. These Projects cost $129 million. The 1 cent sales tax brings in $24 million/year.
Tourism-Clay County be hosting a national championship for June 24-27, 2021. 900 riders are expected. We also won the bid for 2022. Pop Warner football championship will be held here. American Cornhole League the weekend of Thanksgiving. Discussed CARES Act money distribution. Growth-It’s projected that 900 families a day move to FL-not sure of the Clay County numbers. Currently 217k residents. 3000 Building permits for the GCS area currently. New Shands bridge construction will start next year and take 6-7 years.


District Governor - Rich Turnbull

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, October 28, 2020
We got to hear from our District Governor, Rich Turnbull, this morning and learned a little about his passion behind his Rotary participation. He also spoke about the impact our Rotary Club of Fleming Island has had in our community and beyond.



VirtVirtual Brew Tasting & Triviaual Brew Tasting & Trivia

By Catrine Fredrikson


Saturday, October 24 at 6:30-7:30pm

Join us for a Virtual Beer and Cider Tasting paired with a friendly game of
Trivia.
From local breweries of Jacksonville to breweries from around the world, Riverside
Liquors will present a virtual tasting of 8 brews, including beer, ale, stout, cider and
lambic.
A true lesson in the ART of BREWING.
  • Registration is $40 and that includes 8 bottles (33ml each).
  • You can order 8, 16 or 24 bottles depending in how many will attend in your
  • home.
  • The event will be hosted via ZOOM and a link will be sent to everyone who registers
Last day of ticket sales: Wednesday 10/19.

By your ticket at: http://bit.ly/RotaryVirtualBrew

Club Assembly Meeting with Special Guests

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, October 14, 2020
We had a Club Assembly meeting this morning to discuss club happenings and events (future and past). We were also presented with a Proclamation signed by the Board of County Commissioners in Clay County officially naming October 24, World Polio Day, and recognizing some of Rotary's accomplishments.




We had two Julia's join us from St. Johns Country Day's Interact Club. They shared with us all the things their club is doing and how they are adjusting in COVID times. We were also able to present them with a copy of the Proclamation for their club.



We also were able to hear from our club member Catrine about her recent trip to her home country of Sweden, and shared some of the differences between Sweden's approach to COVID as opposed to much of the rest of the world.

Rotary Bike Ride

By Catrine Fredrikson


The Rotary Clubs of Fleming Island and Green Cove Springs are bringing you a charity bicycle event designed for both road cyclists and leisure riders.

The fundraiser will benefit The Way Clinic, Clay High School College Scholarships, and other charities.

MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATON

Spencer Johnson - Bannerman Learning Center

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Our speaker this morning was Spencer Johnson, Dean of Culture and Climate at Bannerman Learning Center. He enlightened us on all of the good things that Bannerman is doing for their students and helped to put to rest the stigma or negative perception that some people may have about the school. This year they are projected to graduate approximatley 150 students which is almost double the graduates from the 2018 school year.

One of the biggest initiatives at the school is positive reinforcement. Part of this program includes a snack cart and a school store. For anyone wishing to support the school, they glady accept donated items for their school snack cart, or school supply store. All donations will be used for their token economy point system, where students can use points they have earned throughout the week to purchase items. Thank you to our club for their generous donations!
If anyone is interested in donating, examples are below:
Candy bars
Individually wrapped bags of chips, Takis a favorite
Cans of soda
Bottled water
Individually wrapped bags of Skittles
Individually wrapped Starbursts
Popcorn
Pop Tarts
School Supplies

They also collect collared shirts, khaki pants or shorts, and closed toe shoes/tennis shoes for their on campus clothes closet and to ensure students have what is needed to comply with the school dress code.




The President and Vice President of the Fleming Island High School Interact Club also joined us this morning to tell us about the projects they are currently working on this school year. They will be joining us this Saturday to help support our Rotary Bike Ride event.


Speaking of the the Rotary Bike Ride Event - it is only a few days away! Also, don't forget to register for the Virtual Brew/Trivia Event that will support World Polio Day (among other things).

Nancy Keating from Challenge Enterprises

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Our speaker this morning was Nancy Keating of Challenge Enterprises in Green Cove Springs. Their mission is to promote the Power of People and Possibilities for individuals living with disabilities. Their vision is to empower individuals living with disabilities and assist in providing the opportunity to embrace the challenges in their lives so they may become enterprising members of their community. They have a life skills program, socialization training, on the job training, recreational bowling, daycare program, community living, small group homes, supported living, volunteering, and help support a good quality of life! Work is power! They load all of the ships at Mayoort Naval Station. They work at the Federal Courthouse, NAS Commissary-they stock shelves, janitorial, operates fork lifts, Shred for Good-just had their 7000th bale, public service they offer shredding on Tuesday (starting again Oct 6th) 10-noon, and they also work at the NAS JAX Fleet Readiness Center SE. Employed 244 people with disabilities and paid almost $2 million in wages/year.


Crystal and Esther Nichols (board member) from Quigley House came and picked up our donated children’s books. Quigley House is a comprehensive Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center serving the Clay County Area in Northeast Florida. The average victims goes back 7 times. Quigley House has 46 beds.

Keith Hannon, US Postal Inspector

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, August 12, 2020

We heard from Keith Hannon, U.S. Postal Service Postal Inspector in Jacksonville. They test mail for ricin and anthrax, drugs, explosives, and many other suspicious things.

It traces its roots back to 1772 when colonial Postmaster General Benjamin Franklin first appointed a "surveyor" to regulate and audit the mails. The Postal Inspection Service was the first federal law enforcement agency to use the title Special Agent for its officers. Congress changed this title to Inspector in 1880. Check out our Facebook page for a recording from the meeting and hear some interesting stories from Keith.

Read More

Anne Hardy with Visit Horse Country

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, September 16, 2020
The speaker this morning was Anne Hardy, Executive Director of Visit Horse Country, who joined us virtually from Kentucky. She discussed "From foaling barn to finish line and beyond...the equine experience and economy in the Bluegrass."
Horse Country, Inc. is an organization of horse farms, equine medical clinics and equine attractions dedicated to sharing the stories of Kentucky’s Horse Country. We hope to create emotional experiences by sharing the story of the horses, the land, and the people with our guests; ultimately to develop fans of farms and clinics through tourism experiences. Cheers to the Bluegrass, y’all – let us be the first to warmly welcome you to Horse Country!
Their Mission-Connect guests to the horse, land & people through experiences that inspire love of the animal and Kentucky. https://visithorsecountry.com/

Nicola Irvine, Motivational Speaker

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Our speaker this morning was Nicola Irvine, Motivational Speaker and Life Coach. She shared with us her personal journey through life's challenges and overcoming those to become the glass half full person she is today.



We continue to have in-person distanced meetings and are also sharing our meetings via zoom. Contact one of our board members for more information on our meetings or to learn about joining our club.

Char Westfall - Author, Beautiful Tragedy

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, August 19, 2020
We all enjoyed our wonderful speaker this morning, Char Fontan Westfall, Author of "A Beautiful Tragedy." Char shared with us her personal experience of losing her Navy SEAL husband, Jacques Fontan, who was killed in action during the rescue mission depicted in the book and movie "Lone Survivor." If you would like to purchase a book, they are on pre-sale on Amazon, or you can reach out to us and we can put you in contact with Char to purchase a signed copy.







Tanya Gmitter, Food Can Heal

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Our guest speaker this morning was Tanya Gmitter who told us her personal story of healing her husband's Congestive Heart Failure through prayer and healthy eating. His Mayo doctor said that this has only been reported in 2% of patients and referred to it as a miracle. Her testimony inspired us all to be more mindful of the food we eat and educate ourselves by reading labels.



Our Local Hero Award went to Jeanne Chambliss, a long time educator in our community. Congratulations Jeanne!

Hands On Meeting and New Members

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Congratulations to new members Sondra and Steve!! Welcome to the Rotary Club of Fleming Island. We are so excited to have you join us.


For our Hands On Meeting, we wrote cards for the residents of Seagrass Village of Fleming Island, many of whom have felt so isolated during this time. We hope our notes, and some added candy, will help to brighten their day.

Our Virtual Wine Tasting Featured in Clay Today

By Alayna Summanen on Monday, May 18, 2020

Our Virtual Wine Tasting Event was featured in the most recent edition of Clay Today. Visit the link to see it there: https://www.claytodayonline.com/stories/community-briefs-051420,22692


Rotary Club’s virtual wine tasting raises $5,000 for Food Pantry

FLEMING ISLAND – The Rotary Club of Fleming Island recently organized a virtual wine tasting over Zoom with David Joudi from Riverside Liquors to raise money for The Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs,

They raised nearly $5,000 and there were nearly 90 participants.

The event included the delivery of 3 wines to the participant’s doorstep and access to David’s Online Presentation entitled, “It Doesn't Have To Be Expensive to Be Good.”

The Rotary Club thanked everyone that participated. The club is currently meeting via Zoom but looks forward to meeting live again in June. They meet Wednesdays at 7:15 a.m. on Fleming Island, except the first Wednesday of the month.

Please go to rcfi.org for more information.

Travis Conlan, Regional Director Hines Securities and Real Estate

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Thank you Travis Conlan, Regional Director at Hines Securities and Real Estate, for speaking via Zoom this morning. We enjoyed hearing about global commercial real estate and some of the projects here locally.

Return to Meeting in Person at our NEW Location

By Alayna Summanen on Monday, June 8, 2020
Thank you to Preston for moving our sign to our new meeting location. This Wednesday, we will return to meeting in person again! The new location is at the Eagle Harbor Annex, right next to the Swim Park. The address is 879 Eagle Harbor Pkwy, Fleming Island, FL 32003. We will continue to Facebook Live the meetings as we know not everyone is ready to return in person. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Josh Mintz, Black Creek District Executive of the Boy Scouts North Florida Council

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, June 10, 2020
We’re back live and in our new space! And still on Zoom. We had the pleasure of hearing from Josh Mintz, Black Creek District Executive of the Boy Scouts North Florida Council. He spoke to us about Scouting 110 years strong and scouting on!


Our Own Mark Easterling - Cancer Journey

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, June 17, 2020
We got to hear our very own Mark Easterling, President of our Rotary Club of Fleming Island, about his journey battling cancer (more than once) and eventually overcoming cancer. The key takeaway is that attitute and outlook matter!


Kitty Jordan, CPA Nichols Group, CARES Act and PPP

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, July 8, 2020
This morning we heard from Kitty Jordan, CPA with The Nichols Group, PA in Fleming Island.
http://www.tng.cc/

She spoke on the CARES ACT tax changes, rebates (stimulus checks), charitable deductions, HSA-now includes OTC medications, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Reach out if you would like a copy of her slide presentation, which was full of useful and interesting information.

Club Assembly Meeting

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, July 16, 2020
Our Club Assembly meeting was packed with information on upcoming events and activities, awards, and a Birthday! Our club received the District Governor COVID Award for our Virtual Wine Tasting and finding creative ways to still support others during the COVID pandemic. We wished our President Randy Robb a very Happy Birthday! Watch for some announcements about our upcoming events.

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, July 22, 2020


Thanks for your service to our club as the 2019-2020 President of the Rotary Club of Fleming Island, Mark Easterling.

We heard from Christina Mershell from UF Health discussing Proton Therapy vs Photon in cancer treatment.


Congratulations to our newest Paul Harris fellow, Alayna Summanen!

Bob Orhablo - President of The Icemen

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, April 29, 2020
What fun to hear from Bob Ohrablo, President and Co-Founder of the Jacksonville Icemen hockey team. We enjoyed hearing about the history of the team, all of the charitable causes they support in our community, and what they are doing during the current quarantine to stay busy. We will definitely be adding attending and Icemen game (or more) to our list of things to do once things return to "normal." Thank you for speaking to us via our Zoom meeting this morning!

Makayla Buchanan, Clay Education Foundation

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Thank you to Makayla Buchanan for speaking this morning about all of the support that Clay Education Foundation offers to our school district. They are doing great things to help support our schools and we look forward to seeing the impact.


Weekly Club meetings now via Zoom

By Catrine Fredrikson on Wednesday, April 1, 2020
NEXT MEETING: April 15th at 7:15am

Join us for our Wednesday 7:15am meeting ONLINE! Join us via Zoom. It's easy!

Zoom is a conference call software, where we have both sound and video of everyone participating.

On your computer go to website www.rotaryclubfi.com
This will redirect you to the opening our Zoom meeting.
Just follow instructions online. You don't need to set up an account, just enter with your name.

To join us from your cell phone, download the free Zoom app and enter meeting ID 8325067757

Please note that we hope everyone is sitting in a quiet place, so you can hear us, and we can hear you. If you during the meeting want to say something, just wave and we will remotley turn on your microphone.

In order for you to get access to the meeting from the "waiting room", we requier all participants to enter their name. We also ask everyone to join us with their video on - as we try to keep the club and it's members connected and friendly.

See you online!

Zoom Meeting with LT Maddison Larson

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, April 9, 2020
Our Zoom meetings have been working great and well-attended. We enjoyed hearing from special guest was LT Maddison Larson, currently stationed on the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT. Administration and Manpower Officer for Destroyer Squadron 23 under Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9.


Virtual Wine Tasting

By Catrine Fredrikson

Join the Rotary Club of Fleming Island for Wine Online with a socially distant wine tasting guided by David Joudi from Riverside Liquors.
Saturday, April 25th at 6pm.

  • Registration is $40 and that includes 3 bottles (750ml each) of specially curated wine from Riverside Liquors delivered to your home within 25 mile radius of Town of Orange Park. (If outside the area, an additional delivery charge may be required.)
  • The event will be hosted via ZOOM and a link will be sent to everyone who registers.

So bring your glass, invite your neighbors (to participate from their own homes), and join us for this special event. You will even have an opportunity to order your favorites at a discounted price!

Last day of ticket sales: Wednesday 4/22.

*Proceeds support The Green Cove Springs Food Pantry

YOU MUST BE OVER 21 YEARS OLD TO BUY A TICKET!

Buy your ticket at: https://bit.ly/RotaryWineTasting

Jared Graybeal - SuperFit Foods

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

We continue our Zoom meetings with special guest Jared Graybeal, CEO of Superfit Foods. He tailored his talk this morning to incorporate what we are going through in this current time - "5 Ways to Lead Well Through Crisis."
  1. Remember: You’ve made it this far
  2. Put your health first
  3. Be proactive, so you can afford to be reactive
  4. Let all of your expectations go
  5. Have faith and be positive!
A few key points about Superfit Foods:
1. We are fully customizable, which means just short of dog food and baby food, we make it all
2. We are a week to week subscription, so no long term contracts and they can manage their account online
3. Average meals price is $8.25, but that depends on which plan they choose and how many meals they order
4. Tell them to use code JARED20 for 20% OFF & Free delivery their first order!




New Superfit Foods Brochure_MM_Dec19(2).pdf

Walt Button and Randy Robb Grace Anglican Computer Ministry

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, March 25, 2020
We are so thankful to have been able to still have our regularly scheduled meeting this morning via Zoom. What a nice way to still feel connected!

Our inspiring speakers were guest Walt Button and FI Rotary Member Randy Robb, with the Grace Anglican Computer Ministry. They refurbish used laptops and provide them to students in need in our county. Many of these students have a 4.0 GPA but no computer access at home, which is even more important in this current time. Please consider donating any old laptops that you are no longer using to this wonderful ministry.


Join us for our Wednesday 7:15am meeting ONLINE!

The weekely meeting starts Wednesday, March 25th at 7:15, ONLINE!

Join us via Zoom. It's easy!

Zoom is a conference call platform, where we have both sound and video of everyone participating.

On your computer go to: website www.rotaryclubfi.com
This will redirect you to the opening our Zoom meeting. ( https://zoom.us/j/8325067757)
Just follow instructions online. You don't need to set up an account, just enter with your name.

To join us from your cell phone, download the free Zoom app and enter meeting 8325067757

We hope everyone is sitting in a quiet place, so you can hear us, and we can hear you. If you during the meeting want to say something, just wave and we will remotley turn on your microphone.

See you online!

Club Assembly with Guest Speakers Larry and Ralph

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Clay County Science Fair

By Alayna Summanen on Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Rotarians serving at the Clay County Science Fair fed over 300 students, teachers and judges today. Good luck to all of the competitors!


Sandy Arpen from the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, February 13, 2020

We learned about Mandarin's history and the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society from Sandy Arpen, President Board of Directors. There are many fascinating connections with Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Sisters of St Joseph. Did you know there was a ship wreck right in the St. Johns River off the coast of Mandarin? Make plans to visit the museum to learn more about this and other historical events that took place right in our back yard.

https://www.mandarinmuseum.net/

Erica Smith from Hope Is Restored

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, February 21, 2020
Erica Smith with Hope Is Restored educated us on the shocking amount of human trafficking that is occuring in the U.S. and even right here in our own state. Erica is working to help those who have been affected by this modern day slavery through her organization Hope Is Restored. If you suspect anyone is a victim of human trafficking, you can call the hotline at 888-373-7888.


Jon Cantrell from the Clay Today

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, February 27, 2020
We welcomed back a former exchange student Marte and got to catch up on all she has been doing since she returned home. We listened to Jon Cantrell, the Publisher of Clay Today, and heard about some interesting happenings around town. Check them out to find out how to subscribe. Claytodayonline.com


Upcoming Hands-On Meeting

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, March 5, 2020
On March 25th we will be hearing from two speakers - one of these is Spencer Johnson, the Dean of School Culture at Bannerman Learning Center in Green Cove Springs. As part of our Hands-On activity, we are asking for support in donating the items that they are in need of at the school. See the list below.

-Khaki pants and shorts.
-All sizes, both male and female, especially smaller sizes in female bottoms
-Collard polo shirts and button down dress shirts
-All sizes, any color, any brand
-Ties
-Belts
-Pencils/Pens
-Loose leaf notebook paper
-Composition books
-Ear buds

Grant Presentation from Clay Electric to The Dental Clinic

By Alayna Summanen on Monday, March 9, 2020
A big THANK YOU to the Clay Electric Operations Round Up for their generous grant to benefit The Dental Clinic in Clay County.

Busy Morning Meeting

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, March 11, 2020
We had a busy meeting this morning!

We presented a $500 check to the Salvation Army in support of their annual Empy Bowls Fundraiser to help raise money to feed our community. Thank you to Gin Gin for being our guest and telling us more about the upcoming event. Please consider attending if you can - see information below.




We also heard from Makayla Buchanan with the Clay Education Foundation. Makayla told us a little about what the foundation does and how it has grown in just the last 12 months. We are looking forward to hearing more about this organization in one of our April Meetings.




We enjoyed hearing from our own Rotarian Dennis Lott regarding the state of the economy including taxes, social security, the national defecit and how financial planning can assist you in preparing for tax time.

Wine and Beer Pairing Event at Pace Island Club HouseWine and Beer Pairing Event at Pace Island Club

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Special Guest and Former Exchange Student Jesse Nijmeijer Returned to Visit

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, January 24, 2020

We had a full house for the return of our 2016-2017 exchange student Jesse Nijmeijer from the Netherlands. Jesse filled us in on all that has happened since he returned home, his future goals, and what he learned during his time in the US.



This doesn't happen often! Current exchange student Sophie (from Germany) former exchange student Jesse (from Netherlands), and future outgoing exchange student Mary Beth (going to France).

Annual Christmas Breakfast

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Our Annual Christmas Breakfast was a great success and packed with lots of activity.


Thank you to Ken Keating for starting off the meeting right with Christmas music.


Thank you to Abi Cothren, President of the Fleming Island Interact Club from Fleming Island High, who raised and donated $500 to the club.


Thanks to our guest speaker Janet Herrick, CEO/President of Onsite Environmental Consulting LLC, who spoke to us about gopher tortoises.


Thank you to all who donated gifts for the Quigley House led by Girl Scout Troop 1634 and blankets for the Clay County Animal shelter led by Boy Scout Troop 482.


Thank you Blair, who does a great job preparing breakfast and serving us at our meetings each week!


Merry Christmas to all!

Matt Welch, Vice Chairman of Player Services at TPC

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, November 14, 2019
Thank you Matt Welch, Vice Chairman of PGA Tour for speaking to our club this week to tell us more about what goes on behind the scenes at TPC. TPC is March 10-15, 2020! If you’re interested in volunteering, go to: https://www.theplayers.com/volunteer.html



Another opportunity to volunteer is coming up on December 14th with Wreaths Across America. Thank you to Katrina for telling us more about this organization. To learn more or volunteer go to:

Fall Social and Chili Cookoff

By Alayna Summanen on Tuesday, November 19, 2019
We had a great turnout for our Fall Social and Chili Cookoff. Congratulations to Dr. Curt Standish for taking the prize for BEST chili this year, and thank you to the Preston and Martha for hosting.

Monica Hentschel, Estate Title and Trust

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, December 6, 2019
Thank you to our very own Monica Hentschel, Esq. Attorney and owner of Estate Title and Trust, for speaking to us about the importance of title insurance.


Don Fann, Executive Director of The Way Free Medical Clinic

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, January 15, 2020
We were all happy to return to regular meetings after our holiday break. Thank you to our guest speaker Don Fann, Executive Director of The Way Free Medical Clinic, serving Clay County low income residents who are uninsured. We learned that the last census had 210,000 residents in Clay County. 46% of those in Clay County qualify, 36,000 are eligible due to being uninsured. They provide 100% free care. Vast majority of those they serve have jobs. They provide primary care, care for communicable diseases, and chronic degenerative diseases. One of the biggest barriers to patients is transportation. Way Access-provides private transportation combined with telemedicine. They get support from St. Vincents and Baptist. They currently serve 1,000 patients a year, but would like to reach more of the qualified population with their medical needs. Please get the word out to those that may benefit from this great service. Check out more information at www.thewayclinic.org




PETS Volunteer Day

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, October 30, 2019
The Rotary Club of Fleming Island represented at the PETS volunteer day in Penney Farms. Our group participated in painting, drilling holes, assembly, and other tasks that contributed to building the transportation devices.


Hands On Service Project - Food Drive for the Food Pantry

By Alayna Summanen on Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Thank you Matt Forte for speaking to us about theFood Pantry in Green Cove Springs. We learned that 95% of their donations/funds go towards purchasing food and the remaining 5% go towards marketing materials and administrative supplies. All positions are volunteer! 1 out of every 9 people in Clay County are in need and the Food Pantry focuses on assisting the working poor. We collected donations and in the spirit of friendly competition the team with the highest tower won!



Exchange Student Sophie

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Thank you Sophie for telling us more about you and your home in Germany!

Club Assembly Meeting

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, October 11, 2019
Our quarterly Club Assembly meeting was busy with updates on the club, discussions of upcoming events, guest speakers and presentation of our Local Hero Award for this quarter.


We welcomed the President of FIHS Interact, Abigail Cothren to speak about what the club has planned this year!


We heard from our new exchange student.

Local Hero Award presented to Brooke and Stu Caplin with the Clothes Closet and Food Pantry in Orange Park.



Check out our club calendar to see all that is planned for the next few months.

Detective David Voller

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, September 26, 2019
We heard from Detectives Voller and Hardeman with the Clay County Sheriffs Office. They spoke about fraud, gas pump skimmers, ID theft, and ATM skimmers. Their advice is to be aware of your surroundings, be prepared, if you see something strange, call CCSO. $100 is the max charge that you can make at the outside gas pump-be attentive to your bill for those kind of odd charges. Look for secure site-Https. At gas stations and online it’s best to use credit card vs debit cards. Be aware of who’s sending the emails-click on the address and see if it looks legitimate.



Welcome new member Dennis Lott!

District Governor Mike Darragh

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, September 20, 2019
Fleming Island Rotary, helping people smile. Thanks for visiting speaking to our club, District Governor Mike Darragh.



Welcome new member, Kent Tarpley!

Fellow Fleming Island Rotarian Andy Chaff with Clay Electric

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, September 13, 2019

We had the privilege of hearing from one of our own, Andy Chaff with Clay County Electric. Here are some tidbits from his talk:

  • It took 80 years to set up the electric infrastructure in Clay County. If what happened in the Bahamas happened here, it would be months to restore the electricity.
  • AMI program-new automated meter system is in place so there’s no need for meter readers anymore. There were 45 of them but now they’ve been reassigned. The project cost $25 million.
  • Time of use rates will be coming in the next couple of years. Trying to avoid brown outs. Forecasting that by 2040-50% of all vehicles will be EV-electric vehicles. Solar is becoming more economical.
  • Growth in Clay County-Saratoga Springs/Penney Farms. 25,000 house project in Saratoga Springs. Everything is tied to the new beltway. Hooking up an average of 120 houses a month currently.
  • Operation Round Up-great success. 93% participation rate. Raises approximately $1 Million a year for charity.
  • Our power comes from Seminole Electric in Palatka. Currently there are 2 coal plants and they’re converting one to gas.

Numa Saisselin, President of Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc.

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Thank you to fellow Rotarian Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc., for sharing some of the history of the Florida Theatre along with some upcoming performances on the schedule. We look forward to seeing all of the projects planned for this historical theatre right here in our own town.



Our next Dine Around will be on September 24th at Ronnie's Wings in Green Cove Springs at 6pm. Please send your RSVP to Mindy or Mark no later than 9/18.

Great Turnout for our Featured Speaker and Welcome to New Exchange Student

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, August 22, 2019
We are so thankful to Casey Jones who shared his story about surviving the US Airways Flight 1549 crash landing on the Hudson River. Everyone was on the edge of their seat listening to him describe the event of that day and even inspired us all in the process. We also enjoyed all of the guests that joined us for this special meeting.




We also got to welcome our new exchange student from Germany, Sophie.

Lee Henderson from Henderson Haven

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, August 16, 2019
After fighting for their own son’s education rights, Lee and Sherri Henderson founded Henderson Haven, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring everyone is given the opportunity to live a life of full inclusion and choice. 16 years later HH has grown to include a preschool, private school, after school care, summer camp, transitional and adult services, and in-home personal supports. Thanks for coming to speak to our club, Lee!

Quarterly Service Project with Marie Howell from Comfort Bag Ministry

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, July 31, 2019
We welcomed Marie Howell with the Comfort Bag Ministry at Grace Anglican Church this morning. She told us about this ministry and their efforts to support the children who come through the Quigley House. We all enjoyed participating in making some pillows for the bags, and we also sent Marie off with a car full of supplies for them to use in their next batch of comfort bags. Thanks Marie for sharing your morning with us!


Speaker Joe Summanen from Nemours Children's Hospital

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, July 24, 2019
We enjoyed learning about all of the cutting edge technology being used at Nemours Children's Hospital from our speaker Joe Summanen, Technical Architect at Nemours.


And we have a winner! Nonie pulled the Ace of Hearts and wins the prize!

Talk from our very own Emil Di Motta and an update from Assistant Governor Larry Klabor

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, July 17, 2019
We enjoyed hearing from fellow Fleming Island Rotary Club member Emil Di Motta today and learning about some of his experiences during his Naval career.


We also listened to some district updates from Assistant Governor Larry Klaybor

Real Estate Market Update (and Emil wins again!)

By Alayna Summanen on Tuesday, June 4, 2019
At our last meeting we got to hear about the real estate market and how to prepare your home for selling from our members Starr Keating and Alayna Summanen.


And Emil wins again.....

Congratulations to Lisa Gibson, this quarter's Local Hero Award Winner!

By Alayna Summanen on Friday, May 10, 2019

Congratulations to Lisa Gibson on receiving the RCFI Local Hero Award for her work fostering horses and saving many extremely ill horses.

Would you like to be a host family for our exchange student this next school year?

By Alayna Summanen on Monday, May 6, 2019

President Elect Mark Easterling's Trip to India

By Alayna Summanen on Wednesday, March 27, 2019
President Elect, Mark Easterling, spoke at our meeting this morning and shared some of his experiences during his recent trip to India. We learned about other projects, besides polio eradication, that Rotary International is contributing to in the country, some challenges that they face, and also some of the beautiful scenery and architecture.


Book DonationsBook Donations

By Alayna Summanen on Thursday, March 21, 2019
Throughout the year at our regular meetings, we have each speaker sign a children's book. As we collect these books, we determine where they will be donated. Our latest donation of a bag full of signed books was graciously accepted by Lindsay Henderson on behalf of Ridgeview Elementary school in Orange Park.

Thank you to Kitty Jordan for speaking to our club this morning about the 2018 Tax Law Changes.

By Catrine Fredrikson on Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Birthdays

No Birthdays Found

Speakers

April 7th
NO CLUB MEETING (Board meets)
April 14th
Club Assembly
April 21st
Sarah Campbell - Town Manager at Town of Orange Park
April 28th
Michelle Cook - Clay County Sheriff

Events

No Events found