10 THE OBSERVER JULY 8, 2010

SANDY ON SOCIETY Sandy Johnson

Soroptimist of Pompano Beach
Local service clubs have been busy getting their new set
of officers on board for the upcoming year. Soroptimist of
Pompano Beach held their annual two-day retreat at the
Embassy Suites in Deerfield Beach. Friday night, they had
their installation dinner where Eunice Hamblen was sworn
in as the new president and Cheryl DePretoro took on the
reins of Vice-President and president elect. Saturday morn-
ing was devoted to a meeting discussing and planning all
projects for the upcoming year. Of course, Casino Night is
back on the agenda, to be held this year at St. Coleman’s on
Oct. 2 with a Wild, Wild West theme. Mark your calendar
for this one since it is always a fun time. Also planned were
the monthly service nights, the Christmas Party for Norcrest
Elementary children, spring fundraiser, rummage sale and
Seafood Festival. Several weeks after retreat, the ladies of
Soroptimist made a visit to Broward Children’s Center
(BCC), the recipient of funds the gals raise at the Pompano
Beach Seafood Festival. Executive Director Thor
Barraclough took them on a tour of the facility and intro-
duced them to some of the wonderfully friendly residents.
Love abounds at BCC and it is always so uplifting to go in
person and see some of the results of donations. Afterward,
the ladies dined at Carrabba’s, which will sponsor their
Casino Night.
Exchange Club
of Pompano Beach
The Exchange Club of Pompano Beach held
their annual installation banquet at the scenic
Hillsboro Club. Outgoing president Jim Davis
handed out gifts to his inner circle of helpers and then
new President Lou “Mr. Red Fox” Petrone was sworn in
as the new fearless leader. Scott Alford will be VP and Robert
Friedman will be Secretary. The guys in Exchange take a lot
of good-natured teasing, but their track record for fundraising
is impeccable — with well over $100,000 given to charities
again this year. Recipients were the Disabled American Vets,
Boy Scout Troop 238, Broward Children’s Center,
Woodhouse, Children’s Healing Institute, Operation Brave
Kids, American Cancer Society, Bit by Bit, Starkey Founda-
tion, Dynamos, Jack Rabideau Scholarship and the Sample-
McDougal House.
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Jessica June Children’s
Cancer Foundation
The Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation (JJCCF)
recently thanked those who help the non-profit organiza-
tion provide temporary financial assistance for needy chil-
dren fighting cancer in South Florida. The event, held at the
Wasie Villa in Ft. Lauderdale, recognized contributors,
volunteers, in-kind donors, pediatric hospitals, social work-
ers and, most important, four children and their families
currently being served by JJCCF. Founder/President Sandra
Muvdi said, “The STAR event was everything I had hoped
for. Our guests, all from diverse backgrounds, had a com-
mon thread of being genuine, loving and caring individuals.
It is a night I will cherish for the rest of my life.” The theme
came from the starfish story adapted from “The Star
Thrower” by Lorenz Eisley. This story has the wonderful
moral of showing the importance of helping others, one
person at a time. The folks from JJCCF are the living
embodiment of the story since they make a real difference
every day in the lives of children with cancer.

The merry men of Pompano Beach Exchange Club as they are

sworn in for a year of service.

The Soroptimist of Pompano Beach hold their yearly planning

retreat at Embassy Suites in Deerfield.

Gregg Sjoquist, Sandra Muvdi, Carlos Cervantes, Lois Marino,

and Jen Klassens at Jessica June Children’s Cancer
Foundation fundraiser.

Pompano Beach Exchange Club incoming President Lou Petrone

gets some advice from outgoing President Jim Davis.
Ladies of Soroptimist at Broward Children’s Center with
Executive Director Thor Barraclough.

Instead of a picnic on the beach for the Fourth of July,

local party goers opted for the drier confines of Galuppi’s
and a delicious meal. The fireworks went on, in spite of
the weather, so the very wet day ended on a happy note.

Larry Crismond sits with his Havanese puppy, Willie, and
friend at the new Pompano Beach dog park as the
poochies decide when is the right time to get down and
do their thing — running around like crazy!
Charity representatives accept checks from Pompano Beach
Exchange Club pictured (L to R): Jay Ghanem, President Jim
Davis, Steve Zimmerman, Carlos Arenas, Thor Barraclough,
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Susan Santosus, and Roni Lago.

By: Corinne Tillman
FPL seeks to reward teachers
for renewable energy projects
The recent oil spill has brought renewable energy to the
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forefront of America’s collective consciousness again. Aca-
demics and laypeople alike are giving another look to solar,
wind, water, biomass and other renewable energy-focused
ideas to break our dependence on oil. Right here in Florida,
people are looking for ways to stay sustainable every day.
Since 1995, Florida Crystals has owned and operated one
of the largest renewable energy facilities in North America.
According to their website, “At Florida Crystals, we use our
crops and urban wood waste as fuel to generate renewable
electricity.”
Who knows where the next big idea will come from? Eyes
should begin to wander over to today’s youth who, let’s face
it, will be in a few year’s time in positions to make a
difference. Where is a better place to learn about these
renewable options than our schools?
FPL is again offering $500 and $1,000 grants to teachers
who design renewable energy classroom projects. Applica-
tions for the project will be accepted until Oct. 15 and winners
will be notified and announced by Dec. 1. All teachers who
teach in public, private or charter schools in FPL servicing
areas are eligible.
FPL is looking for the projects to be tied to the Sunshine
State Standards for the grade level the teachers are aiming
for. Grant proposals should be broken up as follows: Energy
Content (which source of energy), Goals, Activities, Project
Budget and, finally, Project Evaluation.
Applications will be reviewed by a state teacher’s science
organization and checks will be made out to the school. In
these tight financial times for Broward County schools, any
money could be helpful.
For more information or to see last year’s winners visit:
www.fpl.com/community/learning/solarstations.shtml.