Dr. Tom Sproat, Kentucky the Owl, & Pat Moynahan.

FLORENCE – Under the watchful gaze of Mr. Kentucky, Dr. Tom Sproat tries to create excitement for science education.

“Young people today don’t quite understand the importance of science,” said Sproat, executive director of Biology Integration and Outreach for Science Education (BIOSE).

“This is a country that put people on the moon … and did it in less than 10 years. The next generation needs to understand the important role science played in that.”

BIOSE is a non-profit organization that sponsors science education programs in Northern Kentucky and Southwestern Ohio. Sproat, an adjunct professor at Gateway Community and Technical College, outlined the organization’s mission and programs at a meeting of the Florence Rotary Club on Monday, February 6.

As he spoke, a great horned owl named Kentucky sat quietly on a perch next to the podium, slowly swiveling his head to the right and left. The owl is among the stars in the Critters in the Classroom outreach program BIOSE presents in schools.

The owl and his fellow critters – including a turtle, a snake, a rabbit and a red-tailed hawk – get children’s attention and generate excitement for the presentation.

“That’s what we call inquiry-based instruction,” Sproat explained. “Children learn by asking questions. They ask questions based on their observations (of the animals). We help them answer their own questions.’

Critters in the Classroom is the premiere program in BIOSE’s educational outreach effort. The organization also creates science research opportunities for students and teachers. For example, BIOSE assigned a group of Covington Holmes High School students to test soil samples at Big Bone Lick State Park in Boone County.

Park officials wanted to move the bison pen to a different location. The students designed an experiment, collected data and analyzed different sites. Their success led to a nine-day project in Colorado the next year and an invitation to do research for the National Park Service a year later.

“That’s experiential learning,” Sproat said. “Those students fully experienced what it means to be a scientist.”

As Rotarians arrived at the meeting, Kentucky caused a stir. Some approached him cautiously. As he swiveled his head slowly, one would say to another, “Is he real?”

Kentucky would not answer. But he probably thought wisely to himself, “Got you excited about science, didn’t I?”

For information about the weekly meetings, guest speakers, and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242.  Visit the group’s website at www.florencerotary.org.  Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

The Rotary District 6740 Nominating Committee selected Rotarian John Salyers of the Rotary Club of Florence, Kentucky as District Governor Nominee-designate to serve as District Governor of Rotary District 6740 in the Rotary Program Year 2014-15. John is a past president of the Florence Rotary Club and presently serves as an Assistant Governor for Area 1 (NKY) of District 6740. The district includes 42 clubs with 1750 members in the eastern half of Kentucky.

John Salyers Rotary's Incoming District Governor

John joined the Florence club in 2005 and is a graduate of the District Leadership Academy. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Benefactor, and Florence Rotarian of the Year in 2006 and 2007.

The Florence club is a member of Rotary International – a worldwide service organization with 34,000 clubs and 1.2 million professional and business men and women – dedicated to the ideals of service, leadership, integrity, diversity and fellowship. There are Rotary clubs located in 207 countries and territories around the world.

More Rotary information is available for Florence Rotary at www.florencerotary.org , District 6740 at www.district6740.org and for Rotary International at www.rotary.org .

Pamela Miefert of MCM

Florence Rotary welcomed Pamela Miefert of MCM Clinical Research to the January 30^th meeting at the Airport Hilton. MCM provides staff and facilities to enable local clinicians to perform clinical research in Northern Kentucky. Ms. Miefert is the Director of Clinical Operations for MCM. She highlighted the fact that the MCM research staff provides over 50 years of combined clinical research experience.

MCM’s primary study areas include Adult ADHD, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Obesity, Substance Abuse, COPD and Hepatitis among others. The Clinical Trials conducted by MCM are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are safe and effective in humans. MCM works closely with physicians, patients and pharmaceutical companies to ensure that the trials are carried out in a safe and effective manner. Results are carefully documented and reported to the study sponsors, in strict adherence to FDA guidelines for testing and reporting.

Ms. Miefert explained the various Phases of Clinical Trials. During Phase 1 a new drug is given to a small group of healthy individuals to establish safety and tolerance. Phase 1 trials are conducted in a clinical setting, typically involve overnight stays and close monitoring of the individual subjects. MCM then participates in Phases II through Phase IV of the testing process. In Phase II, a drug is given to a larger group, between 200 to 500 patients with a disease condition to determine a range of doses, drug safety and effectiveness. In Phase III the drug is given to a larger group – 1,000 to 3,000 patients to establish the drug efficacy and effectiveness in selected doses. Phase IV studies continue after a drug has been approved to monitor safety in larger populations. Phase IV studies may also include studies of an already approved drug for new indications or dosages.

Ms. Miefert identified several benefits for patients participating in drug trials. She noted that participants may be among the first to benefit from a new drug if it proves effective. Participants may also receive a more consistent level of health care during the trial period by a selected research team. In most cases participants also receive compensation for their time and travel. Naturally, participants in drug trials may also be the first to encounter side effects from the drug under study. She noted that Viagra was originally under study as a drug to control hypertension – the now well-known side effects were unexpected at the time.

MCM Clinical Research is located in Suite 300 in Medical Office Building 1B adjacent to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Florence, Kentucky. The company was established in 2007, a member of the Better Business Bureau and a member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce since 2008.

For information about the weekly meetings, guest speakers, and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242.  Visit the group’s website at www.florencerotary.org.  Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Abi Evans and David Bareswilt of World Choir Games

The World Choir Games coming to Cincinnati this summer are being compared to the Olympics. As many as 20,000 competitors are expected from up to 70 nations. About 200,000 spectators are anticipated to attend the event.  The competition will be intense.  There will be opening and closing ceremonies just like in the Olympics, but this time it’s all about music, not sports.

Two representatives from Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s C-Change Class 6, Abi Evans and David Bareswilt talked about the Choir Games at the Florence Rotary meeting on January 23^rd. The speakers are working with the 2012 World Choir Games’ Speakers Bureau to help spread awareness about this most significant international event in Cincinnati history.

Evans and Bareswilt shared the podium and pointed out that Cincinnati is the first ever U.S. city to host the Games. We were chosen because of our Regional attractions, the number and variety of venues where competitions will take place, housing in close proximity to the venues, and our passion for the fine arts. The participants will want to take in the sights, the culture, and our musical heritage while here.

The Games, held every 2 years around the world, will run from July 4 through the 14th.  There will be 23 categories of music including gospel, show choir, jazz and barbershop. Tickets for the competitive events will go on sale March 1. Billed as something for everyone, events will also be held across the region. Some will be free of charge, some non-competitive.

Economic benefit is expected to be huge with anticipated revenue to our area of $73.5 million. Just one example, 45,000 hotel nights are expected to be booked for the 11 day event. In addition to area hotels, this includes dorm rooms at local colleges and universities.

Check out the web site, www.2012worldchoirgames.com for complete information. There is a very informative 4-minute YouTube video accessible there. Thousands of volunteers are needed to assist the visitors. You can also register online to volunteer.

For information about weekly meetings, guest speakers and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president, atamoynahan@insightbb.com or (859) 802-0242. Visit the group’s web site at www.florencerotary.org . Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Dr. Marge Templeton explains how martial arts instruction helps in the fight against autism.

Dr. Marge Templeton of Tri-State ATA Martial Arts Academy recently spoke to the Florence Rotary Club.   Dr. Templeton, a longtime educator in the Southgate and Ft. Thomas School Districts, began a new career in 1986 when she founded the Tri-State Academy.  Master Templeton is a 6^th degree black belt certified instructor and has been active in martial arts since 1974.

The American Taekwondo Association (ATA) is the largest martial arts organization in the world.   Taekwondo is an ancient martial art that focuses on physical and mental discipline, physical fitness and self-defense.  The academy takes students from ages 3 on up, and according to Dr. Templeton, “You’re never too old to start!”

Dr. Templeton spoke about a new program designed to help students with autism through martial arts instruction.  She shared a staggering statistic: one in 110 children will be diagnosed as autistic.  The definition of autism is a developmental brain disorder that impacts the communication skills and social abilities of affected individuals.

This new program was developed at the urging of an autistic Tri-State student, who asked, “Do you think I could join the leadership program and help kids like me?”  Tri-State ATA has partnered with Autism 4 Families, a resource organization, to offer classes for autistic individuals who would benefit from personalized attention and structured training.   Dr. Templeton shared a video showing the students participating in classes, and spoke of their pride in accomplishing a new skill.

On February 25, 2012, Tri-State ATA Martial Arts Academy and Karate for Kids will host a Winter Tournament at the Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport in Erlanger, KY.  Over 500 competitors will compete for trophies and awards.  This is Tri-State’s major fundraiser, and proceeds support the academy’s programs and instructor training certification.  Learn more at www.tristateata.com.

The Florence Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International, a service organization dedicated to bringing together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

The Florence Rotary Club meets most Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.  For more information about the Club, contact Pat Moynahan, President, at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242, or visit the club’s website at www.florencerotary.com.

FLORENCE– Boone Circuit Judge Anthony W. Frohlich   believes a recent overhaul of Kentucky’s sentencing laws provides a blueprint for reform in the treatment of non-violent offenders.

HB 463, which went into effect in June, reduces jail or prison time for low-risk drug users who possess small amounts of illegal drugs. The legislation also encourages the courts to send minor drug offenders into rehabilitation programs instead of jail.

“One of the problems in the justice system is that the criminal population has changed but the way we deal with crime has not changed,” Judge Frohlich told members of the Florence Rotary Club at a meeting on Monday, December 12.

“We need a new model. This bill will kick-start how we deal with crime in the country” in the future, he added.

The Penal Code and Controlled Substances Act (HB 463) is designed to decrease the prison population, reduce incarceration costs and increase public safety. State officials estimate the sweeping reforms in the 150-page act will save $42 million a year over the next decade because of reductions in the number of non-violent offenders in jail.

Since 1974 crime has gone down but the prison population has gone up because of increases in drug convictions, according to Judge Frohlich. Incarceration costs about $22,000 per person, compared to $3,000 for drug treatment.

“There is a shift in emphasis from looking at the nature of the offense to the nature of the offender,” Judge Frohlich said. “The less risk, the less supervision …”

The shift in emphasis has changed pre-trial procedures on bail and sentencing options. Bail decisions previously hinged on providing assurance the accused would appear in court and not be a danger to the community if released. Judges now must consider a lot of other factors, such as “what happens to the person if released.”

Before issuing a sentence, the courts also must engage in a risk and needs assessment, according to Judge Frohlich. Will the person offend again? Engage in anti-social behavior? What will be the impact of association with other criminals if jailed?

“We are looking for alternatives to imprisonment,” Judge Frohlich said. “First-time offenders can be sent to treatment programs, not jail.”

The changes present some challenges. If a judge determines probation and rehabilitation are in order, the offender must be treated somewhere other than jail. However, neither funding for treatment nor a system to monitor the person may be available, Judge Frohlich observed.

Nonetheless, he believes the legislation is “a good move in the right direction.”

For information about the weekly meetings, guest speakers, and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242.  Visit the group’s website at www.florencerotary.org.  Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Dr. Hans F. Otto, a Florence allergist and immunologist.

If you thought the first frost would put an end to your runny nose and watery eyes for the year, you may be in for a surprise.

The first frost does bring a drop in the pollen count and some relief to allergy sufferers. However, the air still is filled with dust, pollutants and bacteria that cause symptoms similar to allergies and asthma, according to Dr. Hans F. Otto, a Florence allergist and immunologist.

“Lots of things can give you a runny nose and sneezing,” Otto told members of the Florence Rotary Club at a meeting on Monday, November 21. “There are still plenty of irritants not defined as allergies – even the weather.

“Cold weather can bring on reflex rhinitis. Wet weather can cause reflex rhinitis.”

Otto joined the Family Allergy and Asthma practice in Florence last year. A U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 10 years of active duty service, he previously served as chief of allergy/immunology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. He also is an adjunct faculty member at Wright State University.

Otto has practiced on three continents, and everywhere he goes he hears the same refrain from allergy sufferers.

“Everybody says this is the worst place in the world to live if you have allergies,” he said. “In reality, allergies are bad wherever you go around the world.”

A stuffy and drippy nose, sneezing and coughing, itchy or watery eyes, sinus drainage and soar throat all can be symptoms of allergies, colds or rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes lining of the nose). That’s because the nose connects to the sinuses in front and in back of the eyes and all the tissues are contiguous, Otto said.

As a result, people often confuse rhinitis with an allergic reaction or sinus infection. All may cause pain and headache but rhinitis typically does not cause a fever, according to Otto.

“The lining of the nose swells, you get pressure and you get fluid build-up and you think you’ve got an infection,” he said. “From 60 to 80 percent of the time, you will get better in a week or two without antibiotics” because it’s only an inflammation of the tissues in the nose and sinuses.

So how do you know whether symptoms are simply rhinitis rather than allergies or sinus infection?

“When the symptoms interfere with work or school, we can help determine the cause of the problem,” Otto said.

For information about the weekly meetings, guest speakers, and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242.  Visit the group’s website at www.florencerotary.org.  Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Article submitted by Pat Moynahan.

Florence Rotary welcomed NKU Athletic Director Scott Eaton to their October 31^st meeting at the Airport Hilton. Dr. Eaton entertained the Rotarians with a fast-paced recounting of NKU’s numerous scholastic and athletic achievements over the past “Decade of Excellence” at the University. He highlighted men’s and women’s team accomplishments in basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, golf, cross country, volleyball and cheerleading, noting that both the teams and the University’s facilities have been continually improving, and are prepared for an even brighter future.

Dr. Eaton told the Rotarians that Northern Kentucky University is a great place for student athletes. He listed 12 NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship recipients and 2 Top Eight Award Recipients among the accomplishments of team members. He added that the NKU Coaches and Student Athletes are involved with the Newport Intermediate School Adopt a Class program as part their commitment to community engagement. As part of the program each team makes monthly visits to their adopted class, and the students have an opportunity to visit the campus in return. An Olympic Day concludes the year with the entire school visiting the campus for a day of games, lunch and a tour of NKU. Dr. Eaton also reported that this year’s Halloween Hoopla drew 2340 youngsters to the Bank of Kentucky Center where they were entertained by student athletes, including intra-squad  scrimmages by the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Dr. Eaton concluded his remarks with a summary of NKU’s preparations for a move to Division 1 status within the NCAA. He stated that the athletic programs have been ready for Division 1 since 2004, and that the University has been working to upgrade the facilities since then to qualify as a Division 1 school. The NCAA moratorium to reclassify as Division 1 expired in August 2011. Dr. Eaton reported that he hopes to make an announcement before the end of the year regarding NKU’s successful application to the NCAA.

Dr. Eaton came to NKU from Brown University in 1998, moving into the role of Athletic Director in 2009. Since taking that position Dr. Eaton has watched NKU win the 2010 Great Lakes Valley Conference All-Sports Trophy and capture back-to-back GLVC Commissioner’s Cup Awards. He has worked diligently to position the University for Division 1 status, and also played a key role in bringing the men’s basketball NCAA Division II Elite Eight tournament to NKU for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons. His dedication to the University and enthusiastic support of student athletes herald a promising future for NKU Athletics.

For information about the weekly meetings, guest speakers, and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242.  Visit the group’s website at www.florencerotary.org.  Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Article submitted by Harry Chesnut.

Mother Seraphina Marie of the Franciscan Daughters of Mary

Talk to Mother Seraphina Marie of the Franciscan Daughters of Mary. She knows where to find them.

The Franciscan Daughters of Mary take a vow of poverty, pledge to uphold the dignity of human life and place their trust in the Lord to provide everything they need. Since moving to Northern Kentucky from New Jersey eight

years ago, they have opened a pregnancy center and food pantry.  They soon will move into a mission home and open a free medical clinic.

“We put our trust in the Lord, and he never lets us down,” Mother Seraphina told Florence Rotarians. “He is always very generous and always very faithful.”

Mother Seraphina outlined the services of the Rose Garden Home Mission in Covington at a Rotary Club meeting on Monday, Oct. 24. This new community of Catholic sisters primarily offers outreach to the poor and support for pregnant women. Because the sisters took a vow of poverty, they depend on donations for food and supplies they distribute.”

“When we opened … people just started dropping off food,” Mother Seraphina said. “We never solicit food. It just shows up.”

Sometimes, it shows up in bunches, she said. For example, a donation of 144 boxes of lunch meat fed 275 families. The Rose Garden Home Mission also fed more than 1,800 over three days with a huge gift of frozen pizzas.

The Rose Garden Mission provides counseling on making good choices as well as assistance for pregnant women. “We pray with them,” Mother Seraphina said.

“We want them to know God is with them, first of all. We help with the rest.”

The mission gives each expectant mother a basked filled with “things they would usually get at a shower” at eight months, Mother Seraphina noted. The sisters distribute food and infant formula every day, clothing twice a week and diapers once a week.

The Lord helps the sisters with the rest, too, Mother Seraphina said. With the help of benefactors, they purchased property at 2040 Madison Ave. in Covington in July for a home for the mission. They expect to open the free health clinic in a couple of weeks.

A nurse practitioner offered to help first. Then nurses and doctors began to volunteer. Equipment from a hospital that shut down surfaced, Mother Seraphina said, and now they have a building for the clinic.

“We dreamed of opening a free health clinic, but the Lord kept saying, “Not Yet. Not Yet.”” she said. “Now we’re only waiting for a state license … any day now.”

For information about the weekly meetings, guest speakers, and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242.  Visit the group’s website at www.florencerotary.org.  Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Article submitted by Pat Moynahan.