ShelterBox Responds

ShelterBox has become the largest Rotary club project in the world, with affiliates in eight countries.

Haitian girl receives medical treatment.

ShelterBox has already delivered more than 3,300 containers to Haiti, with another 1,000 or more scheduled to be deployed.

"This is the largest, quickest, and most complex deployment in our history," says John Leach, head of operations for ShelterBox. "We organized across four countries to get ShelterBoxes to the people of Haiti quickly."

If you can give to ShelterBox, please contact John Salyers, or Greg Palmer today.

Each box contains a tent that houses 10 people as well as a stove, blankets, and other essential items.

Doctors have been using supplies from the containers to treat the injured. Hospitals in the capital city are using the tents to provide emergency shelter for postoperative patients.

"There's hundreds of thousands of people that are injured. The walking wounded are everywhere," says Mark Pearson, one of three ShelterBox response team members in Haiti. "People are getting taken to hospital now, eight, nine days later."

Since its inception in 2000, ShelterBox has provided shelter and dignity following over 100 disasters in more than 60 countries, bringing the organization to the forefront of international disaster relief.  ShelterBox instantly responds to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict by delivering boxes of aid. In many cases "ShelterBoxes" have made the difference between life and death. 
 
Each "ShelterBox" supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. The contents are tailored depending on the nature and location of the disaster, with great care taken sourcing every item to ensure it is robust enough to be of lasting value. Highly trained ShelterBox Response Teams distribute boxes on the ground, working closely with local organizations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide.

Florence's own Dennis McEvoy assumes District Governor duties

FLORENCE – Dennis McEvoy of the Florence Rotary Club was installed last week as district governor for Eastern District 6740 of Rotary International in Kentucky. 

New 6740 District Governor Dennis McEvoy

The district governor oversees the activities of more than 40 clubs in cities and counties from Interstate 75 to the eastern border of the commonwealth. The district governor also helps to set the agenda for major district-wide service projects, and the governor’s home club organizes the annual district conference.

Immediate past District Governor Dr. Rakesh Sachdeva congratulates Florence's own Dennis McEvoy

“The main reason I am taking on this responsibility and all the work it requires is because I believe in what Rotary stands for – service,” McEvoy said during the installation ceremonies at a Florence Rotary meeting.

Proud Mom of new District Governor is honored, with Grandson's Casey and Ryan looking on.

Dr. Rakesh Sachdeva, the outgoing district governor, conducted the installation ceremony. He presented lapel pin and a briefcase, which has been handed down to each succeeding district governor as a symbol of the workload he is expected to carry.

“Our district is very proud to have a person with the character of Dennis to lead us this year,” said Dr. Sachdeva, a specialist in pediatric and adolescent medicine in Pikeville.

Dr. Sachdeva presented a home club banner to Florence Rotary to remind members “of their added responsibility to help Dennis and the district.” He also reminded Rotarians in attendance from Florence, Covington, Campbell County and Kenton County of what binds Rotarians around the world.

“What brings us all together is a sensitivity to human suffering, whether it’s in the backyard of our community or in Africa,” Dr. Sachdeva said. “We all understand the peril of human indifference and feel compelled to act.”

Rotary International started the PolioPlus program, which has almost eliminated polio around the world. The international organization and member clubs work together on projects ranging from disaster relief to humanitarian aid. For example, the Florence Rotary currently is supporting a project led by Ed Colina to transport water to a school in Kenya.

The McEvoy family has been an integral part of Florence Rotary since its beginning. His father, Bill, was one of the founders of the club and is a member of its Heritage Hall of Fame. Molly McEvoy Boh, his daughter, served as president this past year, and two sons also are members.

Dennis McEvoy previously served as president twice. He also has played leadership roles in a number of projects over the years, including a Bengals benefit for the American Cancer Society and a recently completed campaign that raised $30,000 for the inpatient hospice center at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He was named to the Heritage Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Twelve Northern Kentuckians have served as district governor for Rotary, but none have come from the Florence Club, according to McEvoy.

“That’s another reason I agreed to serve as district governor,” McEvoy said. “We are one of the strongest and largest clubs in the state and we have never had a district governor. I thought it was time we stepped up and took our turn.”

Also at the meeting, Molly McEvoy Boh passed the gavel to John Salyers, who will serve as Florence Rotary president for the coming year. Salyers is Northern Kentucky field representative for U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky).

Florence Rotary Club meets at noon on most Mondays at the Commonwealth Hilton on Turfway Road.

Club gives check to Ronald McDonald House

Team 6 presents check to Ronald McDonald House.

SCORE - "Counselors to America's Small Business" - Reports progress to Florence Club

Bill Digrezio of SCORE updates Rotarians on organizations entrepreneurial support efforts. Click here to learn more about SCORE

Carlisle Rotary Club To Present Annual Fall Festival - September 26, 2009. Click here for details

Jim Clark thanks Rotarians for their rolling support

Jimmy Clark, graduating NKU senior, visited Monday to thank Rotarians.

Sue & Harry Chesnut, Billy Santos receive Paul Harris Fellow honors

Harry & Sue Chesnut receive honors from Gary Stewart.

Billy Santos receives Paul Harris Fellow honors from Gary Stewart

Robert Elliston provides strong message for Turfway

Robert Elliston shares an informative story about Turfway's history.

Jim Henning of Duke Energy Sheds Light on 'Smarter' Energy                       8-10-2009 Florence Rotarians received an informational update from Duke's Jim Henning.

Jim Henning of Dukeuke

New Members Welcomed

Florence Rotary welcomed Justin Lawrence, Dave Meeks & Steve Jarvis to the Club Monday.

Welcome to our New Sponsors - Donald Aaron of Aaron Law Offices, Jerry & Joy Hodges, John & Connie Slayers, Mark Hallenberg of Mchall Media

DG Dennis McEvoy: Happy to be Home - for now

FLORENCE - District Governor Dennis McEvoy who was enjoying his brief time 'off the road', inspired his home Club with an informative message Monday.

Dennis McEvoy shares stories from his travels.

"The central message to help our fellow man is remarkably clear and consistent with all Clubs I've visited - large or small," McEvoy said opening his talk. Over the last month Governor McEvoy has visited 16 of the 42 Clubs in his district.

"When Paul Harris began Rotary in Chicago in 1905, do you think he imagined it would grow worldwide to 530 districts, over 32,000 Clubs, and over 1.3 million members?" McEvoy added.

Governor NcEvoy plans to visit all remaining Clubs over the next two months. Our prayers go with him.

Flannery Brings Goodwill Message to Florence Club

FLORENCE – Michael Flannery was amazed at what he saw the first time he toured Goodwill Industries.

Goodwill's Michael Flannery receives our gift from Ed Ide after an informative presentation.

“You know it as the place where you bought your first couch,” joked Flannery, the comedian turned public information officer for Goodwill.

Incoming President John Salyers Sworn In

6.29.09 Monday's meeting at the Hilton included the swearing in of new President John Salyers, and the swearing in of District Governor Dennis McEvoy. Gary Griesser presided over a full slate of awards and ceremonies for Florence Rotarians.

New President of Florence Rotary John hn Salyers takes oath of office from Dennis McEvoy.

Gary Griesser ran a full slate of events at Monday's meeting.

Incoming President looks to the future with past President Molly Boh.

Annual "Passing of the Gavel'

Past Presidents 'pass the gavel'; (L-R) Mike Crane, Gary Winn, Dr. Herb Booth, Shawn Carroll, John Gay, Dennis McEvoy, Ed Monohan, Janice Flanagan, Willard Rusk, Etienne Badillo, Gary Stewart, Gary Griesser, immediate past President Molly McEvoy Boh, and new President John Salyers.
 

Rotarians get their licks in at Bruster's to help a friend

Bruster's Real Ice Cream teamed up with Florence Rotary Monday evening to raise funding for NKU student Jimmy Clark's new mobility device.

Bruster's generously contributed a portion of evenings proceeds to the effort.

Rotarian Chuck Seal was 'a natural' performing ice cream cone making skills.

Marie-Louise Paddock with our friend Jimmy.

Jimmy cuts it up with Gary Stewart.

President Molly with District Governor Elect Dad Dennis.

"Left Behind?" Harry Chesnut, Gary Griesser, Gary & Joy Moore decide to hang out for a while.

Rotarians & Alternative School young men team up to honor Blue Star Mothers              4.21.09  At Boone County Veterans Memorial the second annual paver project honoring men & women serving and some giving their lives was completed through intermittent showers.

Blue Star Mom Vicky Earhart dedicates two pavers. On for her sons' friend who gave his life in Iraq, and one for her son Douglas who is now serving.

Lorene Friedman, Kentucky's coordinator of Blue Star Mothers of America along with Rotarian H.B. Deatherage championed this effort beginning last year.

The people dedicated to this years' effort were a blessing.

As the skies cleared through the work, everyone felt the purpose of the the day. Sometimes we come together not knowing what we can be done, until we see what each has worked or sacrificed for.

View Blue Star Photo Gallery of the day

Attendance:
PLEASE make every effort to attend our Monday Rotary meetings. Your attendance is very important to the club. If you can’t make a meeting, please try to do a make up by attending another Rotary Club’s meeting, reading the Rotarian or by spending time on the Rotary International’s website. E-mail that you made up a missed meeting to Greg Palmer at secretary@florencerotary.org

Annual Foundation Dinner showcases Paul Harris Fellow awards   District Governor Rakesh Sachdeva praises accomplishments of Rotarians to be a part of the blessing to end worldwide polio in our generation.

District Governor Dr. Rakesh Sachdeva addresses Annual Foundation Dinner Rotarians.

4.2.09.09 hosted over 100 members and guests Thursday evening for the Florence Clubs' annual Foundation Dinner.

Rotary International teamed with Bill & Melinda Gates to raise over $300M since 2005, reaching the most remote regions of the world.

District Governor Dr. Rakesh Sachdeva provided historical overview of polio's rise, containment, and now near eradication to guests at Turfway Park.

The event also included the awarding of Paul Harris Fellows. Thirty-five members were honored for every donor who contributes $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation within a given year.

Our clubs' president, Molly McEvoy Boh welcomed members and guests to an evening of honors and excellent dining.

The Foundation Dinner is the heart of Florence Rotary annual events. We have focused on it three years now thanks to past president Gary Stewart for starting this tradition in 2007 and the following presidents' decision to continue this as an annual celebration.

Sue ue Chesnut receives her first Paul Harris fellow Award and is congratulated by Gary Stewart & Gov. Rakesh

Thanks to Greg Palmer, this years' Foundation Chairman, and Jack Gordon for continuing the tradition in such a grand style once again.
Awards for Paul Harris Fellows Photos... click here

Photo Gallery of Eventent

HONK if you want to help our neighbors! (Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky) - Team 5 Hammers out a mew backyard 3.21.09 With a little help from family and guidance from HONK representative "Bob", Club Team 5 led by Adam Howard sawed, clipped, pried, dragged, & dug their way to clearing the backyard of a HONK home in Covington and built a new privacy fence.

L - R: Mark Hallenberg, Riko Taylor, Laina Taylor, Monty Taylor, Pat Gutzeit, Gary Griesser, Lamont Taylor, Adam Howard, & Harry Chesnut

Harry Chesnut from Club Team 2 jumped into the fray along with Monty Taylor recruiting his entire family.

"Family helps a family" t; Monty Taylor's family captured the spirit of the day's effort with momentary pose. Then Monty promptly put them back to work.

"Just About Done"

Beyond having a great day working together, there were no major injuries reported, and the team came away with a great sense of accomplishment.

HONK Photo gallery - click here

 

BAPTIST LIFE COMMUNITIES SERVICES FOR SENIORS -  continued

Baptist Life offers a wide range of services to meet the housing and healthcare needs of seniors. These are skilled units meaning they are duly certified. The administration and staff are well aware of Medicare and Medicaid regulations.

Dr. Robert Long, the CEO of Baptist Life Communities and member of the Florence Rotary Club, gave a double focused presentation to his fellow members at a recent meeting. Expressing the importance for families to plan before need is urgent, he first explained the services offered and then gave an overview of Medicare and Medicaid.

In addition to independent living opportunities, Baptist Life Communities offers personal care and nursing home care. Other services, not so well known, are its memory supported Personal Care Unit, and Home Health Unit which provides the full array of skilled services as well as a program providing companion care, meal preparation, even laundry services.

Medicare Part A will pay for skilled services in a nursing facility if certain conditions are met. For example, admission to a skilled facility must follow a 3-day minimum inpatient hospital stay for a related illness or injury and your doctor must certify that you need daily skilled care or skilled therapy.

To qualify for Medicaid in a long-term care setting, several conditions must be met. The individual must meet at least two of nine need categories, like feeding or assistance going to the bathroom and also must meet certain financial criteria. The nursing facility bed must be Medicaid certified.

Dr Long pointed out that Medicare and Medicaid are not bad systems, maybe somewhat bizarre, but not bad. He admitted the regulations are complex, but stressed his administrative staff members are experienced and can explain the intricacies of each. If you are in charge of a senior loved one, he recommends you “take charge” and learn “how it works” now before help is needed.

For housing opportunities, healthcare solutions or answers to your concerns, Dr. Long says to come visit any of their communities and see for yourself. For additional information call 859-727-9330 or check out the website, www.blcnky.com.

For information about the weekly meetings, guest speakers, and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact John Salyers, president at 859-653-9399 or visit our website, www.florencerotary.org. Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Article submitted by Chuck Seal.

General Barron from Ft. Knox

continued from home page -

Gen. Wm. Barron

It is ending as a success story with Fort Knox, not only protecting itself from closure, but ending up a big gainer. The Fort is not the only winner. It appears there will be significant regional economic growth and a new source of much needed state tax revenue.

These rounds of military installation closures, called BRAC (Base Realignment & Closure), have been going on periodically since 1988. So, to prepare ourselves for the 2005 BRAC, a Kentucky Team, consisting of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation, the Kentucky Governor‘ Office, CORE an existing local civilian organization, and a Washington, DC consulting firm was formed.

The Kentucky Team was able to show the Department of Defense that Fort Knox has “Military Value”. That value included 109,000 un-encroached acres, 8,000 buildable acres, ongoing building renovations, a training complex, privatized housing and a hospital.

The 2005 BRAC result was a realignment of Army units. Fort Knox is losing 4,300 personnel as the Armor Center and School is moving to Fort Benning in Georgia. But the good news is it will have major personnel gains overall as 8 new units move in. The two largest being Light Infantry BCT and the Human Resources CMD with a total of over 7000 personnel. The Department of Defense is investing $850 million in the Fort. A labor study by CORE anticipates an additional 5000 new jobs coming to the region. Significant economic impact and millions of new dollars in annual state tax revenue are anticipated.

Fort Knox is open to the public. The next time you’re driving down I-65 and see the Ft. Knox--Patton Museum sign at the KY 31-W exit, drive on over. All you need to enter is a photo ID and your car insurance/registration papers. You will find yourself visiting one of the Commonwealth’s treasures.

2009 Law Enforcement of the Year Awards

The Florence Rotary Club held the first Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Luncheon on Monday, June 22, 2009 at Noon in the Hilton Cincinnati Airport.

Honored were (L-R) R) Shanon and husband Tim Adams, Tom and wife Tricia Grau, Kendra and husband Adam McGuire

Officers recognized:

Officer Adam McGuire – Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport Police

Adam Howard congratulates Officer McGuire, his wife Kendra, as Gary ry Griesser looks on.

Detective Tim Adams – Boone County Sheriff’s Office

Boone County Detective Adams with his wife Shanon.

Sergeant Tom Grau – Florence Police Department

Office Grau is honored by Monty Taylor and Adam Howard.

Cecilia Nakamura gave an excellent tribute to the impressive and admirable career of Tim Adams.

Monty Taylor provided candid insights to the career of Officer Tom Grau.

Congratulations to Adam Howard and Team Five for organizing the successful event.

6.08.09 President Molly Honors members and guests for a 'Year of Success & Progress'

Billy Santos (above with President Molly) and Gary Griesser (below with Governor Elect Dennis) receive the two Presidential Awards for 2008-2009.

Steve Gillespie receives recognition for outstanding effort during Molly McEvoy's reign as President. As well as Harry Chesnut (below).

Our guest and Ambassador Scholar Robert Werks with Dr. Swanson

Dr. Ron Swanson receives recognition for outstanding effort for 2008 - 2009.

The humble, Lynne Cole receives recognition for outstanding effort for 2008 - 2009.

Gary Stewarts' 3rd Annual Benefit concert a wonderful success.

Many hands work together to honor "The Ten" and their spouses who have passed away.

Complete Photo Gallery - click here.