Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast" is pleased to announce Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach's sponsorship of 40 Girls on the Run At-Home Activity kits (GOTR-At-Home). These kits allow "Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast" to serve girls who are unable to participate in traditional "Girls on the Run" programming. The pandemic has increased access challenges for many girls and GOTR-At-Home provides an opportunity for girls to learn valuable life skills and increase their physical activity.  The kits provide interactive discussion topics such as positivity, movement gratitude, moving through emotions, growing to my limitless potential and more! Lessons are paired with a physical activity guide that can be completed independently or engage the whole family.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development (PA-PYD) program that inspires girls in 3^rd through 8^th grade to be healthy, joyful and confident. By supporting Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast, Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach will be helping to directly impact girls in Indian River County and introduce them to Girls on the Run programming. This sponsorship will help further the mission of the organization and make an impact on the lives of 40 girls. Girls on the Run uses running to inspire and motivate girls, encourage a lifelong appreciation of health and fitness and help them build confidence through accomplishment. The organization envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

With the pandemic this past year, fundraising for this nonprofit arts program has come to a screeching halt. When awarded the 20 for 21 Charity Program for Spring 2021 by the world renowned American artist Michael Israel, who is famous for his speed painting, the Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach club jumped on the opportunity to help make this fundraiser happen.

On Friday April 16th there will be a "socially distanced" event with live music and artwork by school students during the cocktail hour at 7,  then at 8  Michael's show and auction all to benefit IRCHS. 

The IRCHS was started in 1998  and now enrolls 700 students in the 9th-12th grades. IRCHS is an "A" rated school. The Visual and Performing Arts program (VAPA) features 5 artistic disciplines: dance, drama, music-vocal, music-instrumental and visual arts.

To find out more about IRCHS visit www.irchs.org or visit their campus at 6055 College Lane (south of Home Depot).

 

Welcome to Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach!  Chartered in 1989, Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach is made up of nearly 100 distinguished members of our community who volunteer throughout Vero Beach, Indian River County, the state of Florida and internationally under the motto 'Service Above Self.'

We are always forming connections to improve the health of our environment, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, eradicate polio and so much more.  We are small business owners, corporate executives, non-profit leaders, government officials, as well as retired executives and professionals who meet weekly to share camaraderie, hear from speakers on important topics, and plan meaningful projects to benefit  others.

Consider being a part of our dynamic club serving Vero Beach, the state of Florida, and beyond.

Contact a Sunrise Rotarian & find out how you can become a Member!

 

Welcome New Sunrise Rotarians!

Captain Ryan Meo

Ryan and his wife Amber moved to Vero Beach in 2020.  Together they direct the social and spiritual work of the Salvation Army of Indian River County.  They come to us from Tallahassee, Florida, which was their first assignment out of training.  Ryan was a member of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee from 2015-2020 and is a Paul Harris Fellow.  The couple has a true servant’s heart with particular interest in youth and community projects.  They have two children Chris and Sofia.  

Welcome Ryan!

Kosta Velis

Former financial services Executive who had migrated from the Wealth Management industry to the hedge fund and later, Family Office industries.  Kosta started his career a week out of college where he worked at Merrill Lynch for five years.  He was then recruited into management at Smith Barney for ten years during which he earned his CFP and his CIMA (Investment Analyst certification while at Wharton). When the company was sold to Morgan Stanley amid the financial crisis, he joined a few companies in management roles and decided to leave for a Gold hedge fund and senior role in founding Stoever Glass Wealth Management at 30 Wall Street.  He was recruited as COO at Guggenheim Capital Partners Latin America (Brickell) and left to develop a single-family office in Weston.  

Wanting a change, he left the financial industry for Private Equity and joined Drs. Sadhwani in their 20+ year flagship QHC Wellness Institute (as he is passionate about Integrative Medicine) in Sebastian where he was hired as COO and partners in the laser aesthetics, body sculpting, MedSpa and the regenerative medicine divisions. 

A Lawrenceville and SMU grad, Kosta is grateful to live in Vero Beach and eager to give back. 

Welcome Kosta!

 

Stephen Hume

Stephen is the President and owner of Hume Technology and Cyber Solutions, a local technology company that focuses on protecting and maintaining the security of businesses. He is also a Professor of Advance Computer Technology Indian River State College

Stephen has spent the last 12 years working in Information Security and Information Technology or as a Technology Manager within financial institutions, non-profits, logistics, and for the US Military. Stephen served in the US Air Force in the Office of Special Investigations and served on the USAF Elite Guard.  After separating from the Air Force, Stephen studied at the University of Akron in Ohio, where he graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice and a BA in Criminology and Sociology. Stephen later earned his Master's degree in Information Technology and Management from Florida State University.

Stephen has been a resident of Vero Beach since 2016, where he now raises two children with his wife Tori.  

Welcome Stephen!

Wilfred Hart

• Married to Dorothy and 4 children
• BA Business Administration - Bethune Cookman
• 35 Yrs. In Retail Management
• Received Outstanding Customer Care – Chairman's Award and Assistant Manager of the Year Southeast Regional, Central District during tenure with K-Mart 
• Currently Teacher’s Assistant with the School District of Indian River County.
• Deacon of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Gifford Florida 
• Vice-President, Dr. M. L. King Birthday Committee and Member for over 10 years
• Member of the Local NAACP and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Inc.  
• Founder of The Woman in Red with Pink
• Strategic and effective in fund raising

Wilfred is active in volunteering with the community and enjoys traveling, sports and singing!  We know you'll be a huge asset to Sunrise Rotary. 

Welcome Wilfred!

 

Cheryl Ward

Cheryl is a wife and mom of twins first and foremost, and a Territory Manager for an alliance of independent insurance agents, Cheryl wears many hats, personally and professionally, but still has time for Rotary!  She wants to find new ways to give back while using her energy, skills of organization and ability to connect with others in a way that can impact not only the community now but also for future generations.

Welcome Cheryl!

Dr. Ed Massey

Dr. Massey was appointed as Indian River State College’s third president in 1988.  Under his leadership, Indian River State College was named the number one college in the nation in April 2019, winning the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. 

Dr. Massey is a fixture of leadership at the local, state, and national level.  He served as the Chairman of the Florida Articulation Coordinating Committee and has served on several boards including the American Association of Community Colleges, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and others.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, Dr. Massey received the 2013 Association of Community College Trustees Southern Regional Chief Executive Officer Award, the Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Award, the 2013 Peter Hegener Leadership Award, and the 2008 Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction.

Dr. Massey also coached Little League and Senior League Baseball, was president of the Vero Beach High School Baseball Booster Club, served as a board member of Indian River County Boys and Girls Club, served as a board member, president and campaign manager of Indian River United Way, served on the Indian River Community Foundation Board, and served on the Florida State University College of Medicine Community Board.

In addition to leading IRSC and being actively involved in the community, Dr. Massey is a devoted family man.  Welcome to Sunrise Rotary Dr. Massey!

Sales woman and entrepreneur Ann Marie Amante completed her Red Badge duties and proudly received her new member badge from Membership Chair Laura Kennedy.  She jumped in to serve as chair of our Literacy committee and is already actively involved in many service projects.

Susan Flak is the Recycling Education and Marketing Coordinator for the Solid Waste Disposal District.  Sue is already actively involved in our youth and environmental committees and can't wait to serve alongside other Rotarians.

Sunrise Rotary welcomes Joe Coakley, a 30+ year resident of Vero Beach.  Joe has been extremely active in the community over the years, and we're excited to have him join with us in serving others.

 

Meeting Time:

Wednesday at 7:00 am -  8 am                  
Breakfast is served at 6:30 am

NOW MEETING IN PERSON.  CONTACT A SUNRISE ROTARY AND JOIN US!

Meeting Place:
The Riverhouse @ the base of the Barber Bridge
305 Acacia Road
Vero Beach, FL  32963

   Click here for Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach Calendar

 

SUNRISE ROTARY STAYS CONNECTED WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING

Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach hasn't missed a beat when it comes to weekly meetings.  Each week since mid-March, more than half our our members and Rotarians from around the world log in to participate in our virtual meetings. We can almost smell the coffee and bacon! Thanks to Zoom, we enjoy Rotary fellowship and carry on business as usual. Our dynamic and interesting speakers share PowerPoint presentations and videos and answer questions.  Four new members have been inducted and enjoy virtual high-fives and clapping from our membership.  Committee chairs give updates on projects that are safe and efficient ways our club can serve others during this unique global crisis.  In true Rotarian tradition, Happy Dollars are pledged along with plenty of well wishes for safety and good health.  As always, Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach welcomes visitors each Wednesday morning at 7am.  Contact any one of our members for an electronic invitation. 

SUNRISE ROTARIANS JOIN AREA ROTARIANS IN CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September.

The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

The celebration was one of a series of Peace Poles installed in over 200 countries.
The 600-pound Limestone Peace Pole was installed in 2011, then
formally dedicated on February 23, 2012, a date coinciding with Rotary’s 107th anniversary. It was a joint project of the Rotary Clubs in Indian River County.
The pole is inscribed with the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

YOUNG PEOPLE THANK SUNRISE ROTARY FOR SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

Ten young camp-goers thanked Sunrise Rotary for helping them stay in camp this summer.  Fun activities and friends helped these youngsters get through a long lock-down summer.

SUNRISE ROTARIANS DEPLOY DISTRICT 6960's DISASTER AID TRAILER TO HELP HURRICANE VICTIMS 

Several Sunrise Rotarians will accompany District 6930's 'Champions for Change' disaster aid trailer to the Pensacola area to do the work trailer was designed for. Over the past few months, Rotarians have equipped the trailer with a Rotary survival kits, shovels, saws and other equipment needed to help in a natural disaster.  When they arrive, they will help to remove trees that block access to homes and help those whose homes have been flooded.   All protocols of COVID 19 will be observed and followed.  Service above self!

SUNRISE ROTARIANS SPONSOR 'CONCERTS IN THE PARK' FOR SENIORS

Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra were on the playlist at last weekend's third Sunrise Rotary 'Concert in the Park' at Florida Baptist Retirement Center.  Residents enjoyed the fresh air and familiar tunes among friends.  Bringing sunshine to our senior population is a priority for Sunrise Rotary's hard-working Health & Welfare Committee - especially during the pandemic. Next week baked goodies, stamps and crossword puzzles will be delivered to their doors.

     

 

Sunrise Rotary Honors the Fallen Ruck

Sunrise Rotarians participated to honor those who gave their lives on 9/11, and those who have given their lives since that profound date, to our great country during the Global War on Terror.

We met with first responders, fire fighters, police officers, veterans, and civilians to ruck, bike, run, skateboard, or walk to honor the fallen on Saturday morning, September 12.

 

Sunrise Rotary Citizen Scientists are at it again!

Sunrise Rotarians involved with ORCA’s Pollution Mapping project collect samples and analyze them at ORCA’s Center for Citizen Science in Vero Beach.

        

Mothers at Florida Baptist Center Enjoy a Concert in the Park Thanks to Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach

Residents at the Florida Baptist Center were treated to an hour long 'concert in the park' in honor of Mother's Day thanks to some great coordination by Rotarian Drew Padnuk, whose love of the Beatles has made him famous in some circles.  Jewel and Shanti set up their sound equipment in the shade of a large green space where residents could sit and look on in safety.  The duo sang a mix of songs that had everyone smiling, tapping and clapping.  Drew's daughter-in-law opened the performance with the bagpipes, and ended with a 'Amazing Grace.'  Rotarians also made homemade banana breads as gifts to all the residents.  It was a beautiful day for a wonderful cause.   

 

Sunrise Rotary Remembers Seniors During COVD-19 Crisis

When toilet paper and disinfectants became scarce and the buses around town were put on hold, Sunrise Rotarians reached out to Senior Living facilities in Vero Beach to see if they could help.  Members of the Health & Welfare committee stocked and delivered wish bags with Kleenex and stamps and other needed items that these older residents would not have been able to purchase on their own. 

Sunrise Rotary Recognizes Four-Way Test Winners @  Storm Grove Middle School 

Seven Sunrise Rotarians and 175 Storm Grove Middle School eighth grade students participated in our club’s first (and soon to be annual) Rotary Four-Way Test Activity that promotes good decision-making and the development of strong values.  As a follow-up to the lively and thought-provoking activity, students were challenged to compete for an award which included the opportunity to donate to the charity of their choice. 

Sixteen students were chosen because their entries demonstrated a good understanding and application of the Rotary Four-Way Test to everyday challenges and conflicts.  Parents and teachers joined the students and Rotarians for a delicious Italian meal in the library. 

A special guest for the event was Grae Straley, a sophomore from Indian River Charter High School, who enthusiastically shared her experience at Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) earlier this year. 

The 16 winning students' essays, poems and artwork were on display for all to see.  Sunrise Rotary awarded each student with a $25 gift card, and an additional $25 to donate to a charity of their choice.  Each student explained which charity they chose and why. 

From animal rescue to cancer research and local children's mentoring programs, their choices were thoughtful and personal.   

Herb Taylor, Rotarian and author of the Four-Way Test said, “It is essential to our future preservation that the youth of our nations become men and women of high moral character.  Every great world movement concentrates on youth as the necessary foundation for success. “

High School Students Thankful for RYLA Experience

Rotary Youth Leadership Achievement is a four day program help at Florida Elk's Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida.  The opportunity is open to emerging high school leaders and registration fees are paid for by clubs in District 6930.   Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach was pleased to sponsor eight students to attend this exciting and rewarding experience in November 2019.  Take a look at some of the fun these young leaders had while learning the importance of integrity, service and leadership. RYLA 2019

 

 

Vero Rotarians Host 45th Annual Homestay!

Local Rotarians from five clubs in Indian River County welcomed incoming  District Governors from five countries into their homes in Vero Beach for a week in January to share our community, develop friendships and build international understanding.  It was a week filled with good fun, touring, dining and great fellowship. Now in its 45th year, Homestay Vero Beach is a week-long series of events and get-togethers meant to foster goodwill among Rotarians across the globe. 

This year's visiting DGE's came from England, South Africa, Israel, the Netherlands and New Zealand.  In their words, Homestay Vero Beach was  "warm, welcoming, absolutely fantastic, well balanced, powerful, fascinating, and memorable!"  Congratulations DGE's and may you have a wonderful year ahead!

 

Rotary District 6990 Thanks Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach for Rotary Bahamas Relief

Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach recently received the following letter from Ray Williams, District Governor, Distict 6990:

I wanted to pass on our very sincere thanks to Robin Pelensky and Bob McCabe and all the members of The Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach Club for your incredible support of our District’s efforts to help our fellow Rotarians and all the residents of Grand Bahama Island.  Your check made payable to the Robbins Fund will be a great help in our commitment to help the residents there to restore and rebuild their homes, their businesses and most importantly their lives.

As you may know we have 5 Rotary Clubs and 2 Rotaract Clubs on the Island.  The experience of leading the efforts to provide immediate relief and now helping to rebuild their communities has bonded all our Rotarians into an amazing group of community leaders that are coordinating and driving the good working of not only Rotarians but several of the NGOs who have stepped up to help.  In their role to coordinate all this international support, they now truly understand the power of Rotary Connects the World.

Thank you again for your Club’s very generous contribution to this effort.

Ray M Williams

District Governor (2019-2020)

Rotary International District 6990

Days after Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas, Rotary Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation, the club's own 501c3 foundation, offered to match dollar for dollar up to $10,000 all donations made by Sunrise members for the Bahamas Relief. 

By the end of September, club members more than matched that amount and will be sending $22,863 to Rotary Bahamas Relief through Districts 6990 and 7020. Past President Kevin Anderson's son Oliver and his friends created their own lemonade stand to raise money and donated it towards the effort.  Former Sunrise member and US National Jiu Jitsu Champion, also contributed $3,500 from funds raised at one of his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu locations.  Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach practicing Service Above Self ! 

 

JULY

8

Public Image Committee

Health & Welfare Committee

13

Club Board Meeting

15

Vocational Committee

16

Membership Committee

19

Literacy Services Committee

21

Oktoberfest Planning Meeting

28

Youth Services Meeting

 

 

Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach has been busy in the schools during the 2019-20 school year.  Take a look for yourself!

 

The Coronavirus isn't stopping us! Sunrise Rotarians have been busy delivering pizza lunches to hundreds of our community's workers who are up close and personal with the potential of getting the virus.  Rotarian Carl Fetzer took on the task of raising money so that grocery store workers, police and sheriff officers could have a fun and tasty meal while knowing that Sunrise Rotarians care and appreciate them.  Fortunately for them, these workers are still employed, but they have been facing the public for weeks now, not knowing who does and doesn't have the virus.  Sunrise Rotary's Debbie Avery jumped in to coordinate the purchase and delivery of nearly 100 pizzas and 70 hamburgers and fries from local restaurants.  It's a labor of love and appreciation  because happy stomachs and faces are worth the effort! 

Community Service & Partnerships

Chair - Jane Burton

Environmental

Chair - Robin Pelensky

Literacy

Chair - Ann Marie Amante

Membership 

Chair - Laura Kennedy

Health & Welfare 

Chair - Pam O'Donnell

Scholarships

Chair - Jane Burton

Vocational

Chair - 

Youth 

Chair - Mike Murphy

World Community

Chair - Rick Root

 

With nearly 100 members, Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach has been taking action to serve our local and global community since 1989.

• Enjoy Professional Networking, Friendship and Fellowship.
• Get Involved in Local Community Service
• Experience International Awareness and Service
• Share your Time and Experience with Youth through many Youth Services projects
• Stay Informed with Exciting Weekly Programs and Speakers
• Contact Us Now to Learn More.

Sunrise Rotary Receives Dyer Difference Award

Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA

One of the top three annual events in Indian River County is Florida Craft Brew & Wingfest – a day when the whole community takes wing – chicken wing, that is.

Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation puts on the event to help fund services provided to tens of thousands of individuals through over 50 service projects each year, and the community flocks to attend and enjoy craft brews of every conceivable flavor and a whole lot of wings. The event, which is scheduled for Feb. 15, will feature over 180 craft and micro brews, four live bands, and a wing contest to see which local restaurant has the Best Vero Beach Wings.

And while the Dyer Difference Award Committee loves wings, what they loved even more about the event is Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise’s commitment to the community through support of educational, youth guidance, environmental, nutrition, and service projects. That’s why they chose Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise as the December Dyer Difference Award recipient in Indian River County.

Sunrise Rotary supports Gifford Youth Orchestra

Sunrise Rotary Club not only puts its money where its mouth is, but also gives generously of its time and physical support of other charitable organizations. Their members don't just make donations, they shine! Sunrise Rotarians get involved in making a difference in the community they serve. They personally interact with the leadership, the children, the families, through networking, meetings, attending events, responding to calls for help, and many other services. These Rotarians are business people who put their strength into caring for and caring about their community and about the recipients of their good hearts. Sunrise Rotary is an exceptional group of individuals focused on service!   Read More...

Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach Participates in Vero Beach Centennial Parade - A Perfect Chili Challenge Reminder!

A special thanks to Todd Darress, Marty Lewis, Jack Diehl, Carl Fetzer & Gene O'Donnell for helping with the wagon. Thanks to Stuart Kennedy, Michael Kanuka, Marc Gingras, Larry Parks, Steve Lauer, Brenda Bradley for their part in the Rotary Float today. Thanks to club members, Billy Halliday, Kathy Lindsey, Tracy Carroll, Pam O'Donnell, Susan Wert Melton, Cindy Panigal, Ann Marie Amante, Tom Groendyke, and Rotary Community Corp members Gene & Eva.

Sunrise Rotary Shares  Four-Way Test with Stormgrove Middle School Students 

Over 175 students participated in Sunrise Rotary’s Four-Way Test workshop held at Stormgrove Middle School.   The Rotarians were impressed with the students' insight and maturity in using the 4-Way Test to handle  real-world scenarios posed by the Rotarians.  The hope is that their new understanding of the Rotary Four-Way Test will help them as they make decisions.  Students received a Four-Way test card and were encouraged to participate in a contest.  Winners will be the  Guest of Honor at an Awards Lunch to be held at the school.  Each winner will be awarded a gift card for a local store or restaurant, and $25 to donate to a charity of their  choice.

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.  Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.  With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.

Our mission

The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

What impact can one donation have?

• For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.

• $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.

• $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.

​

Sunrise Rotarians present a second check for $17,000 to the Treasure Coast Food Bank.  Every dollar donated is matched by the club up to $30,000.  Thank you for your generous contributions!  We're almost there!  

Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach presented it's first check for $25,000 to the Treasure Coast Food Bank.  The club's matching grant program is growing daily.  Be a part of this great program - and let Rotary double your money!  

Help us get to our anticipated $60,000 total and help the community members who need the help!

 

Sunrise Rotary asked the community at large to match up to $30,000 to help the Treasure Coast Food Bank in their efforts to feed those that need help. With monies raised at the Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest this past February, Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach is able to offer this help and encourages the community to join them in this humanitarian effort.  Local sponsors of the Florida Craft Brew and WingFest fundraiser will be pleased that their money is going to help with food at this time. 

Founded in 1988, Treasure Coast Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization on Florida’s Treasure Coast and the only Food Bank in our four-county region – Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. They work tirelessly to help families and individuals in need by providing them with nutritious food, hope, and dignity. 

Club president Robin Pelensky said, “Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach is thrilled to be in the position to offer this generous One-to-One Match Program to help our neighbors who, through no fault of their own, find themselves really hurting financially. The community has flocked to our annual fundraiser, the Florida Craft Brew & Wingfest, and now it’s time for us to reach out in a big way that brings all us of together for a common cause.” 

 

Rotary Means Business meets every second and fourth Thursday,

7:30 - 8:30am

at Chelsea's on Cardinal Drive. 

NOW ON ZOOM!  Contact a Sunrise Rotarian for your invitation.

Rotarians are welcome!