Rotary Program Strategy, Membership Spotlights, and New Member Induction
- lhfrank0
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Rotary Program Strategy Discussion
Julie Scales, Program Committee Chair, discussed the role of programs in Rotary, emphasizing their alignment with core values such as service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. She highlighted the importance of featuring entrepreneurs, scholarship updates, grant recipients, and local officials in programs to inspire and inform members. Julie encouraged members to suggest program ideas and expressed gratitude for Julie's efforts in organizing engaging programs. The conversation ended with plans to feature newer, medium-range, and experienced members in upcoming member spotlights.
Bob Calabrisi's Military to Healthcare Career
Bob shared his career journey, which began in the US Army where he served for 24 years, including commanding 302 soldiers, and later pursued education in health, information systems, and communications. He currently works for the Department of Veterans Health Administration in Washington, focusing on credentialing and privileging, and manages a learning management system for clinical staff. In his spare time, Bob plays the tenor saxophone and leads the North Pinellas Community Band, performs at open mics, and sings in two choirs.
Bob shared his experiences with aviation, animal rescue, and boating, highlighting his passion for community service and diversity.
Chad Fisher
Community Service and Unity Stories
Chad discussed his background, including his military service, entrepreneurial ventures, and current business endeavors, emphasizing his commitment to the community.
Both Bob and Chad expressed their appreciation for the Rotary Club's role in fostering unity and inclusivity.
Ken Rejko Rotary Club's Historical Achievements
Ken shared his experiences as a long-time Rotarian, highlighting his friendship with Carl and his induction of the club's first female member, Angel Sass, which generated significant media attention. He discussed the club's history, including their efforts to raise funds for various projects and the establishment of the Polio Plus program, which raised $60,000 in its first year. Ken also mentioned his involvement in chartering an Interact club at Dunedin High School and his work with Ron Rylot, who was a member of their club at the time.
Dunedin Country Club History and Banner Legacy
Ken shared his personal connection to the country club (Now Dunedin Golf Club), noting that he and his wife, Terry, were the first couple married there. He discussed the history of the club's banners, explaining how they started with 1,800 banners and grew to 26,000 through Bill Sutton's international collection efforts. After Bill's passing, the banners were stored in 14 file cabinets, which Ken eventually had moved to the Historical Society and then to Evanston. Ken concluded by mentioning the current banner, which features the club's beachside location.
Rotary Nostalgia and New Members
Ken shared nostalgic stories from past Rotary meetings, including an incident where a snake handler's reptile, a king cobra, was dumped on the floor during the presentation, and John Fraser remained calm despite the scare. He also recounted how Ellis Root once had to improvise a speaker when the planned one didn't show up, resulting in an impromptu belly dance performance.
Patricia Sweeney's Rotary Club Induction
Our weekly club meeting ended with the induction ceremony for Patricia Sweeney into the Rotary Club of Dunedin, emphasizing the club's historical roots and the values of leadership, service, and international fellowship. Kevin Donoghue highlighted the significance of Rotary's global network and the responsibilities that come with membership, including regular attendance, club service, and sharing knowledge. The ceremony included the presentation of Patricia's membership certificate by President David Bramley and the Rotary Pin presentation by John Shine. The club members were encouraged to welcome her as their newest member.
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