Issue 31, August 2, 2015
Most long-time members of SBMC will agree that summers are the slow time for our club, as many families are on vacation, etc. This year we’ve tried to maintain a steady level of volunteerism, fun events, and interesting programs in which to keep our members asking: ‘I wonder what’s going on at SBMC?
On Saturday July 25th, SBMC and City Rescue Mission held our Summer Picnic! This was an indoor event which served charcoal-grilled hamburger/hot dog lunches to 570 of Jacksonville’s homeless. The visitors were very appreciative for those care packages that we’ve been accumulating this past month (to help them beat the summer heat). The radio station: The Promise, was onsite giving both SBMC and CRM much praise for community service. One last time, I want to thank Penny Kievet, Kathi Crothers, and all our SBMC members who volunteered at this most heartwarming event!! Everyone agreed that the actual face of homelessness is much different from pre-conceived notions.
This past Wednesday, Wayne Wood spoke to our gallery. Often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Jacksonville history’, he is author of many books including: Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage and Jacksonville Family Album. He is also founder of the Riverside Arts Market. Wayne gave a very inspiring message to the gallery about the importance of saving and preserving our local history. He was truly one of our best speakers ever; I hope you were one of the fortunate members who attended this meeting!
Ron Littlepage, the Florida Times-Union opinion columnist will be speaking at our club this week. Ron is often times seen as somewhat controversial, but not unlike SBMC’s long-time member Woody Cooper (who was an outspoken member of our community), Ron always has reason behind his opinions. When Ron comes to speak at SBMC, it is always a lively and well-attended meeting.
Dr. Nikolai P. Vitti, Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, will be speaking on August 12th about the upcoming school year. If you have children in our school system, or you pay taxes in Duval County, you will definitely want to hear what Dr. Vitti has to say.
On August 19th (Happy Birthday Mom!) we will have Boots Farley, of the First Tee of North Florida, speak to us about how this initiative began as a way to bring golf to kids and teens that otherwise would not be exposed to the game and its positive values.
For a whole lot of fun, plan to attend our Meet-a-Member with Freedom Boat Club at the Julington Creek Marina. For many years, this has been a Club favorite get-together! Lots of camaraderie and evening boat rides on the St. Johns River! Lisa Almeida and Bob Cox always put on a fantastic event. Set the date: August 20th, starting at 5:30pm. Please note that due to their insurance restrictions, FBC can no longer serve beer/wine, plan to BYOB if you want to imbibe. Tickets are on sale now!
So plan to attend some great upcoming meetings, buy some Costco Raffle tickets for a $500 gift card (and a 1 yr membership) at the door, and have some fun with your SBMC family!!
