Stories

Volunteers, you are all invited to help prepare for  and serve the children of the Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico in our 37^th  annual Thanksgiving Day Lunch.  We will serve over 300 children from all over Puerto Rico.  Even if you can’t stay, pass by and observe firsthand what a joyous event this it.  Takes place this Wednesday November 27^th  between 9am and 1pm, at the La Concha Resort in Condado.  

The long-awaited Rotary Foundation Virtual Appreciation Night has arrived. Tonight awards will be presented to Paul Harris members honorees.  To connect you just have tonight Friday, June 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. to the District 7000 Facebook page on Facebook at the following link https://www.facebook.com/rotariospr/

 or if you don't have Facebook you can tune in on YouTube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvAfo5yu8Ybsne4YS5Ahgyg

San Juan Rotary has awarded a $1,200 grant to the AAUW of Puerto Rico to kick start a campaign to close the gender pay gap in Puerto. Closing this gap means greater financial security for Puerto Rico’s women and their families. The president of the AAUW of Puerto Rico, Betsy Parker (also a San Juan Rotarian) sees this partnership with Rotary  as an effective way to work together on a common goal.

The San Juan Rotary grant will specifically help to publicize the free online salary negotiation course called Work Smart. AAUW is not just offering this seminar, it is avidly working to get 10 million U.S. women to take it during the next five years:  AAUW of Puerto Rico wants 40,000 women in Puerto Rico to take the course.  Grant funds will be used for social media advertising, seminars and promotional materials.

AAUW members in our club include Pat Schneider, Angela Schlump, Juanita Morris, Carmen Hammel, Jennifer Bates, Hallee Paterson, Russ Paterson and Gerry Cumpiano. For more information about this project, contact Ms. Parker at PuertoRicoStatePresident@gmail.com.

http://salary.aauw.org

ACHIEVING 100% ATTENDANCE IN THE OCT-DEC QUARTER WERE: Gerry Cumpiano & Pepito Rivero.

Be sure to sit at the Reserved 100% Attendance Table.

Celebrating are: 3-Bert Foti; 10-Eugene Smotkin; 18-Julian Rodriguez Sacristan; 25-Todd Swanson

Be sure to sit at the Reserved Birthday Table and enjoy a glass of wine, compliments of your fellow-Rotarians.

VISITING THE CLUB THIS WEEK was MERCEDES PEGUERO MORONTA, District Governor Elect from the Arecibo Club and her husband, AGUSTIN MONTANEZ ALLMAN Assistant Governor (2019-20).

Club Foundation Director, GEORGANNA HILDEBRAND, presented Past President & Past District Governor, JOSE ‘Pepito’ RIVERO OLMEDO, with his 8th Paul Harris Award. 

This is to inform you that Fellow-Rotarian Robert "Bob" Schneider passed away on January 10, 

Visiting at Buxeda Funeral Home on Thursday, January 16, from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.

A Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, January 17.

Immediately after, burial  will take place at the National Cemetery in Bayamon

Pat

As you will see from the photos, our Thanksgiving lunch with the Boys & Girls Clubs of PR was a banner affair, made even more festive with the surprise appearance of New York State Governor ANDREW CUOMO, accompanied by his daughters.  Commonwealth High Interacters came to help and to face-paint the kids.  Many fellow Rotarians helped to serve the delicious lunch prepared by the chefs at La Concha Resort.  La Concha's special pricing, together with donations from Rotarians and suppliers, were greatly appreciated.  There were some highlights that didn't make press time but will be noted in a future Garita.

(More photos on the WEB page of San Juan Rotary Club (Photo Album) -  www.sanjuanrotary.org  

Last week were ALAN ELLS of the Rotary Club of Saginaw, Michigan and President Gerry.

San Juan Rotary sent a donation of $5,500, .through the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund, to the Bahamas, thanks to the generosity of our members who responded immediately to help alleviate the  destruction and suffering caused by Hurricane Dorian.

ROTARY YEAR 2018-19 PERFECT ATTENDANCE:  JOSE "PEPITO" RIVERO-OLMEDO, BOB SCHNEIDER, ENRIQUE SIGAS AND WITH NINE STRAIGHT YEARS OF 100%, JUANITA VALENTIN MORRIS.

District Governor Marilyn Lopez, her husband PDG Jorge Vazquez, DGE Mercedes Peguero, her husband AG Agustin Montanez were seated at the Head Table with Pepito and Gerry.

President Gerry Cumpiano began his talk by thanking District Governor Marilyn Lopez and the many other District officials who came to the Change of Command meeting as well as his wife and fellow-Rotarian, Betsy Parker, and members of his family.  Gerry then proceeded to lay out his vision for the direction of the Club in the new Rotary year.  With "Service Above Self” as its theme, Rotary has many different Avenues of Service for Rotarians to get involved.  Service to the Community is a tradition with our Club as is investing in Youth Leadership through Interact and Rotaract.  A major goal is increasing our membership.  He urged Rotarians to bring more people to lunches to learn about who we are.  By inviting guests and recruiting new members, the audience is enlarged and we will attract excellent speakers. Gerry touched on many areas that need improvement and asked Rotarians to look around the room at the team of people who are about to embark on this year's trip.  The Rotary Team is YOU.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS will meet next Tuesday, May 7, at 10:00 AM in the AFDA Club.  

Rotarian Gerry Cumpiano donated four tickets to upcoming musical events held at the Centro de Bellas Artes. Funds raised will be used to purchase better sound equipment for Rotary meetings.  At the April 23 meeting, bidding for the tickets started at $45 but quickly jumped to several hundred dollars.  The auctioneer - Ray Erb - seemed stunned when one bidder outbid himself several times.  In the end, the auction raised over $1,000 as the high bidder for all tickets was our guest speaker, Robb Rill.  Many thanks to the 20/22 Act Society for their support.  And, Mr. Rill donated the tickets back to the Club so the Auction will continue at next week's meeting.  Tickets are for May 4 and May 5 events.  Let's hope we can stun Ray again next week.  

WE WELCOMED VISITING ROTARIAN MARIA CAROLINA MALAN from the Rotary Club La Commercial in Montevideo, Uruguay.  She is the Director of Community Service in her Club.  

Were Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of San Jose, Santa Cruz & Modesto, California.  San Juan Rotarians were honored to welcome these representatives and their fellow Rotarians to our Tuesday luncheon.  

Joined us at our meeting last week. These Rotarians worked with our Club and P.E.C.E.S. to do a Rotary International Global Grant in Punta Santiago, a project that helped 10 small businesses re-open by buying the equipment they needed and training them in budgeting and planning.  The Grant also trained 50 underserved kids to be carpenters. These 25 Rotarians from District 5170 and 5220, who funded this project, came to Puerto Rico to visit the project. 

 Pictured are the 25 Rotarians together with our District Governor, Juanita Valentin Morris, our President Jose "Pepito" Rivero Olmedo   and San Juan Rotary Club's Director of Community Service, Georganna Hildebrand.

Saturday, April 13, at 12:30 pm, AAUW (The American Association of University Women) will Hold its Perfect Pairings IX, a gourmet lunch of wine and food pairings at La Casona Restaurant, 609 San Jorge St., Santurce.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the scholarship and fellowship grants from AAUW and the projects of AAUW Puerto Rico.  Cost is $75 per person.  Valet parking available. Call Linda Garayalde at 787-505-8207 for reservations or more information.

MEMBERS from District 6720 Clubs in Hinesville, Savannah South, Blackshear, Macon North and Sandersville, Georgia, exchanged banners with our Club.

We miss you a lot at the San Juan Rotary meetings.  If we can keep you attending more often, please let us have your good ideas, which are always appreciated.  Thank you for participating in this survey.

Starting on February 20, San Juan Rotary and the e-Club of PR and Las Americas will take their turn promoting the First Virtual Silent Auction in Plaza las Americas.  On webpage www.rotary-e.org, you can see what is being auctioned.  An example is a week's stay in San Diego, CA.  Fine jewelry and paintings by well-known artists, are also being offered.  Go to the webpage and participate in the 8th Anniversary of Rotary's Virtual Silent Auction.

VALENTINE LUNCHEON ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY12.   

There will be musical entertainment, wine with lunch and a special menu. BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS and invite your spouse and friends to our annual event.

District Governor Juanita reminds us of Rotary's FAMILY DAY being held this year at Isla de Cabras this Saturday, November 3,2018.  A contingent of Stateside Rotarians will be attending and a warm welcome from our English-speaking members would be greatly appreciated. Give Juanita a call at (787)415-8235 for more information and if you are able to attend this well-organized activity.

CLUB DIRECTOR GEORGANNA HILDEBRAND brought us up-to-date on several of the Global Grants funded by Rotary International including the Global Grant for Teatro Por Amor in Peace and Conflict Resolution.  This Grant covers all four housing areas that have recruited students studying conflict issues like drug use and gangs. Another large project for a Global Grant is the economic recovery in Punta Santiago (together with P.E.C.E.S.), a project that will provide equipment and training to ten businesses that were damaged by Hurricane Maria and will train 50 underserved residents in carpentry.  As reported previously, Rotary clubs in the States have been most generous in sending monies and relief efforts continues as we find worthy projects. 

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT Julio Soto Cubano of Pisadas de Amor, an organization formed to help seniors in need, gave a video presentation highlighting various homes restored in San Juan, Manati, Caguas and Vega Baja.  Replacing furniture, cabinets, stoves, refrigerators, clothes and other goods destroyed by Hurricane Maria, made the homes habitable again.  With” A Todas Por Mis Viejos", as the theme, the video clearly showed the dramatic changes In the lives of many affected oldsters.

A PERIOD OF SILENCE was held in memory of the passing of Juanita Marquez Gonzalez, the Mother of our Past President & District Governor, Juanita Valentin Morris.

Congratulations to new Paul Harris Fellows, AMADEO FRANCIS, RUSSELL PATTERSON & HALLEE PATTERSON.

Invite you to participate in their Golf Tournament to benefit the multiple programs offered to children, teens and adults in Dorado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja and Toa Baja.  The Jane Stern Dorado Community Library and each of its satellites - together a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization - are neighborhood centers in each community, connecting people, young and old - to learning programs, online resources and one another.  Ron and Anne Chevako, Co-Administrators of the Libraries, thank you in advance for your support, which is needed and appreciated!  Tournament details to follow:  Golf Tournament at the Plantation facilities in Dorado on Saturday, October 13.  Breakfast/Registration 7:30 am.  Shotgun start 9:00 am.  Two-person scramble.  Awards luncheon immediately after the event.  Prizes:  Three best scores at two levels.  Non-traditional Goodie Bags.  Food & drink at stations on the course.  Entry Fee: $175 per person.  Payment via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-jane-stern-community-libraries-golf-tournament-tickets-49958382868?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or for sponsorship and registration information please contact Zayra Caraballo at (787) 613-2025 or zayra.caraballo@sdcl.org

In the coming Spring, the Rotarian Magazine, Rotary International's monthly publication will feature our Global Grant Program, Teatro Por Amor.  Rotary International recently sent four of their Communications Team to Puerto Rico to get a first-hand look at the work our club is doing in island communities, including Teatro Por Amor.  The four RI representatives are:  Tom McVey (Sr. Social Media Content Strategist), Claudia Urbano (Latin American Global Communications Team), Vanessa Glavinskas (Contributing Editor The Rotarian Magazine), Alyce Henson (Staff Photographer & Multimedia Producer).  That's our Rotarian Armand Pique in the photo with the visitors from Rotary International!

Ricardo Betancourt who will be bringing guest speaker, Axel Kaiser, to next week's meeting, gave a preview of Dr. Kaiser's accomplishments as Executive Director of the Fundación para el Progreso, one of the most influential Think Tanks in Latin America.  

Be sure not to miss this young Chilean attorney give his analysis of the current economic/fiscal crisis our island has faced. Rotarian Ricardo also urged the audience to increase our membership by reaching out to Law 20-22 residents of Puerto Rico.

A non-profit organization consultant, Ana Maria Dapena, spoke on it's mission to educate and inspire the arts of the Caribbean.  To date, the organization has served over 6,000 underprivileged children and adults.  Rotarians who would like to help in this endeavor and/or get more information,  are urged to contact Ana Maria at 787-429-8810 or anadapena@aol.com.

CLUB DIRECTOR Georganna Hildebrand's "Idea Box" slide presentation, gave a comprehensive overview on the results to date of San Juan Rotary's efforts post-Hurricane Maria.  

DISTRICT GOVERNOR Juanita Valentin Morris presented Rotary International's 100 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP certificate to Club President Pepito. in recognition of San Juan Rotary's century of the Object of Rotary, Service Above Self.

Inducted into San Juan Rotary on Tuesday was AMAURY RIVERA (Classification: Community Leader), sponsored by Warwick Butler.

CHRIS BRAND, President of Fodac (Friends of Disabled Adults & Children) and member of Stone Mountain, Georgia Rotary, demonstrated a backpack/water carrier.  Chris is on the island helping FEMA distribute medical supplies.

Of the work our Club is doing to help the victims of Hurricane Maria, Rotary District 7000 presented President Ken McGrath with an award for outstanding service.

Vickie Michaud, Founder & CEO for Hope Builders, Inc., a non-profit volunteer organization formed to help victims of Hurricane Maria in Vieques, accepted a $7,000. check from San Juan Rotary's Hurricane Relief Fund to be shared among six families to make repairs to their homes and replace destroyed furniture, kitchen cabinets and appliances.  Amounts of $500 to $1500 per family will be used for supplies and labor.  This project was researched and approved by our Club's Hurricane Relief Committee.  

Will be held this year in a different way, but with the same purpose of recognizing the contributions of Rotarians to the Rotary Foundation, in a year where our District hopes to complete large impact projects that will be possible with the funds of this entity.  The President of the Rotary Foundation Committee in the District, PDG Paul Roman Correa, invites all Rotary members to register and participate in the Foundation Awards Gala on Sunday, April 15, 2018 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm in the Zafra del Caribe Restaurant in Gurabo.  

A community whose home were flooded by the rains of Hurricane Maria, received 52 mattresses last Tuesday thanks to San Juan Rotary's Hurricane Relief Fund.  As the accompanying pictures show, it was a hands-on task for several of our committee members assisted by community helpers.  Thanks to Bob & Aida Bolte, Armand & Nereida Pique, and Gerry Cumpiano for overseeing the delivery of the much needed bedding. A major source of the funds available for such a project were donated to our Club by many Rotary Clubs and individuals in the United States.

Past District 5330 Governor, Shab El Awar, and  his wife Bricia, President of the San Bernardino, California Rotary Club, were in Puerto Rico to give San Juan Rotary's Hurricane Relief Fund a $13,000 donation.  PDG Shab El Awar also gave a two-hour seminar covering Rotary International's Global Grants Program.  Accompanying the California Rotarians were members of our Club.   

San Juan Rotary inducted two new members at last week's meeting: RICARDO BETANCOURT (Business Service: Retired) sponsored by Past President Jorge Gonzalez and WEI YANG LI (Wine Distribution), President of JJ& L, Inc. Willie was sponsored by Rotarian Ralph Bixler.

A MASS IN MEMORY OF Rotarian Didi Connelly will be celebrated on Monday, January 29, at Stella Maris Church at 7:00 pm.  Her family invites all her fellow-Rotarians and friends to be there as Didi loved her 20 years in Rotary.

ROTARIANS celebrated the 99th birthday of Charles "Chuck" Hitt with song and applause.  A pioneer in housing developments, a community leader and champion on the tennis courts, Chuck has been a positive spokesman for our island for many, many years. Happy Birthday, Chuck, from all your fellow-Rotarians!