Dennis McEvoy presents Stephanie Potter with a plaque commemorating her as the 2012 Citizen of the Year during a luncheon sponsored by the Florence Rotary Club.

Pamela Wisniewski, a senior at Boone County High School, plans to attend Mt. Saint Joseph College next year and study Athletic Training.  Kevin Grout, a senior at St. Henry District High School, will enter the University of Louisville’s pre-law program.

Dr. Mitchel Livingston of UC.

Imagine an America where today’s minorities will make up a substantial majority of the population. Given current demographic trends, by the year 2050 the combination of Asians, Hispanic and Blacks will outnumber White Americans. Dr. Mitchel Livingston, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Cincinnati, discussed these trends and the challenges they represent at Florence Rotary’s April 23^rd meeting. Dr. Livingston focused his remarks on the variations in educational achievement by ethnic group and by geography across America.

Citing statistics from the US Census Bureau, Dr. Livingston reported that high school graduation rates by ethnic group have remained virtually unchanged for the past 25 years. The graduation rate for Asians exceeds 92%, followed by whites at just under 90%, Blacks at approximately 78% and Hispanics at around 65%.

Regionally, Dr, Livingston reported that the Midwest had the lowest increase in the number of high school graduates of less than 1%, while the West led with a 16.5% increase followed by the South at nearly 11% and the Northeast at 8%. Dr. Livingston noted that we need to make a serious effort to improve high school graduation rates in our region simply to keep up with the rest of the country or risk losing out economically.

Moving on to college enrollment, Dr. Livingston showed that at present Asians lead the way with a 65% enrollment rate, followed by Whites at 47%, Blacks at 42% and Hispanics at 37%. The growth in enrollment among ethnic groups shows a significant increase for Hispanics, with enrollment growing by over 170%. Blacks follow with an increased enrollment exceeding 140%, closely followed by Asians at 140% and White enrollment increasing to 110% of current enrollment. Overall undergraduate enrollment is expected to increase by 2.6 million students by 2015.

Dr. Livingston emphasized that with the changing ethnic mix the challenge to the University will be to make diversity and excellence threads of a common fabric. He concluded with the thought that Universities will need to adapt to an environment of changing demographics, coupled with increased competition in both price and quality.

Addressing these changes effectively will determine the future not only of our institutions of higher learning, but of our region and the nation as a whole. How we educate our children, of every ethnic group, will determine the quality of life we can expect.

For information about 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 Rotary web site at www.florencerotary.org. Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Senator John Schickel

Senator John Schickel spoke at the Florence Rotary Club meeting on April 9 about the recently completed Kentucky Legislative Session. Schickel characterized it as a difficult session with progress made in some areas. The two items demanding almost all the time were redistricting and the state budget.

The Senator started by saying that he takes his responsibility to represent 140,000 Kentuckians seriously. He understands his constituents hold different views and often are on different sides of issues coming before the Legislature. By electing him, the people of Northern Kentucky have put their trust in him to vote in their behalf.

He then went on to explain why redistricting and the budget required so much effort. Every ten years there is a census. The results of the census require redistricting. So that everyone in Kentucky has equal representation, districts need to be equal in size.

The census showed that over the past ten years population has grown between and near I-65 and I-75. The far Eastern and far Western parts of the state have lost population. Redistricting is to correct that imbalance. Because of population increase in Northern Kentucky, Senator Schickel actually represents more people than he should. Schickel conceded that redistricting is a political process and has always been controversial.

The budget plans the spending of the three branches of government, Legislative, Executive and Judicial. The largest part of the budget goes to the Executive branch to oversee three areas – to educate, to medicate, and to incarcerate.

Education is the biggest priority in the budget. Our founding fathers fought for public education so the citizens of this new country would be educated enough to participate in a representative republic.

There is nothing in the constitution about medicating or health care for the citizens. This is a murky area and has come about only in the last 40 to 50 years. It is clear that in relation to other states, many Kentuckians don’t have healthy lifestyles and they need help. It is also quite clear that we have a Medicaid crisis.

The responsibility for the state to incarcerate is in the Commonwealth Constitution. The state prisons take only 5% of the budget. Not much can be done to reduce this expense except, perhaps to get minor drug offenders out of prison and into rehabilitation.

The Judicial Branch gets a small portion of the budget. In the past, buildings were built that today may seem extravagant. Those were better economic times. The Judicial has taken a big cut and there is no new funding in the current budget.

Briefly touching on the transportation budget, Schickel said funded by gas and new car taxes, these monies go into road projects. Transportation dollars for Northern Kentucky fared well in the budget and we can expect to see a lot more orange barrels. Hopefully, the Transportation Conference Committee will be kind to Northern Kentucky. Decent roads are good for business, for the local economy, and the overall quality of life. Building and maintaining them create jobs.

Senator Schickel wrapped up by talking about his Chairmanship of the Licensing and Occupation Committee. He said this lets him be a gatekeeper for business issues that come through the Legislature. It’s his belief that strengthening small businesses is a way to improve the economy. So in considering proposed bills, he always tries to determine how each would affect small businesses.

For information about 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 Rotary web site at www.florencerotary.org. Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Four local Rotary Club members were inducted into the Paul Harris Society. (L to R) John Salyers, Jana Martin Kemp, District Governor John Adams, Phyliss Stamper and Jeff Simpson.

FLORENCE – Four local Rotary Club members were inducted into the Paul Harris Society during a Rotary District 6740 awards ceremony at Turfway Park on Thursday, March 29.

The society, named after the founder of Rotary International, recognizes people who annually contribute $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus or other approved Rotary Foundation grant activities. Among the activities supported by the donations are polio eradication programs around the world and tornado relief efforts across the United States.

District Governor John Adams addresses fellow Rotarians and guests.

The new inductees are:

• John Salyers, a member and past president of the Florence Rotary Club. Salyers currently is one of the assistant governors in District 6740, and will serve as district governor in 2014-2015.
• Phyliss Stamper, a member and past president of the Kenton County Rotary Club.  She works for the Bank of Kentucky and has been active in service projects sponsored by her employer and Rotary
• Jana Martin Kemp, also a member and past president of the Kenton County Rotary Club. She is an assistant project manager at Toyota
• Jeff Simpson. a member of the Kenton County Rotary Club. He and his wife, Tammy, founded the non-profit organization Scarf It Up.

Leisa Carroll receiving Paul Harris Fellow Award. (L-R) Shawn Carroll (husband), Leisa Carroll and DG John Adams. (The Florence Rotary Club made the donation in the name of Leisa Carroll for all the work she does toward the Rotary Club’s annual golf event.)

The district also honored new additions to the Paul Harris Fellow program. Paul Harris Fellows recognizes people who contribute $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program, or people in whose name others have contributed.

Three of the honorees were recognized for multiple contributions over the years: Thomas Callison, John Salyers and Gary Griesser. The group of new Paul Harris Fellows included L.D. Campbell, Leisa Carroll, Doug Keeling, Meredith Lewis, Noah Lewis, Todd Lundy, Elizabeth Marlette, Lauren DiNapoli Palmer, and Robert Works.

Lauren DiNapoli Palmer receiving Paul Harris Fellow Award. (L-R) Greg Palmer (husband), Lauren DiNapoli Palmer and DG John Adams. (Rotarian Greg Palmer made the donation in the name of his wife.)

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.

Doug Keeling receiving Paul Harris Fellow award from DG John Adams. (Rotarian Barb Keeling made the donation in the name of her husband.)

For information about 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 web site at www.florencerotary.org . Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Gary Wilmhoff (far left) and Pam Goetting (far right) honor teachers (L-R) Julie Ann Ashley, Teresa Haney and Lisa Fish at the Florence Rotary Club's Teacher of the Year Award Luncheon on Monday, March 26, 2012

On March 26, the Florence Rotary Club recognized the 2012 Boone County Teachers of the Year at a luncheon in their honor.  Each year, the Club asks the community to nominate outstanding educators in the public, private and parochial sectors.  The applications are reviewed by a panel of judges, and awards are determined based on the nominee’s exemplary service in their professional and community roles.  The Boone County School District is the 3^rd largest in the state, with 23 schools serving over 20,000 students from pre-school through 12^th grade.

The honorees for 2012 are Lisa Fish of Walton Verona Elementary, Julie Ann Ashley from Camp Ernst Middle School, and Teresa Haney of North Pointe Elementary.  Each teacher received a $250 check to the charity of their choice, presented by Heritage Bank.

Lisa Fish, a teacher at Walton Verona Elementary, has 25 years teaching experience, and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and Master’s Degree from Georgetown College.  A parent nominator described Ms. Fish as one who truly goes above and beyond to share her love of reading and writing with her students.  She reads aloud in funny voices to engage her classroom, and encourages students to write daily in their journals.  Ms. Fish is committed to helping every student succeed.

Julie Ann Ashley, a language Arts teacher at Camp Ernst Middle School, has 21 years of teaching experience.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Thomas More College, and Master’s degree from Xavier University.  Ms. Ashley was described by multiple nominators as resourceful, collaborative, engaging, enthusiastic, and inspirational.  She creates a learning environment that really helps children grow in their educational journey.  She encourages them to write essays, master difficult words, and enjoy learning through Jeopardy style quizzes and an afterschool Book Café.

Teresa Haney, a teacher at North Pointe Elementary has 15 years teaching experience, and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Northern Kentucky University.  Ms. Haney was instrumental in helping build the Panther Path Nature Trail near the school that is utilized for fun and educational field trips.  She also leads a self-esteem and physical wellness program called “Girls on the Run” that encourages participants to make healthy lifestyle choices.  With hands on experiments that create excitement and unique learning opportunities, Ms. Haney makes education come alive for her students.

Each teacher was also awarded a Senate Citation and Kentucky Colonel Award, provided by Senator John Schickel.    Heritage Bank provided personalized banners for each winner to display at their schools.

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.

For information about 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 web site at www.florencerotary.org . Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Kelly Bird of Five Seasons

As members and guests of Florence Rotary gathered to bid farewell to the winter that never was, Bill Delaney and Kelly Bird arrived from Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Crestview Hills with advice and encouragement to begin spring focused on an active and healthy lifestyle.

Bill Delaney is Senior Sales Manager for the Five Seasons. He described the club as a high energy, high touch sports club focused on family leisure and entertainment centered on fitness and healthy living for all ages.

Kelly Bird, a member of the Fitness Staff at Five Seasons, focused her presentation on promoting a healthy lifestyle. She described herself as a strong believer in wellness of body, mind and spirit. She encouraged Rotarians to make exercise an enjoyable part of social life, to pick a partner and go for a walk or to come to Five Seasons and take advantage of numerous group activities available to members and guests.

Kelly emphasized that an exercise program doesn’t have to be a grueling routine. She advocated setting   small, attainable goals and moving forward in a stepwise fashion. “We won’t be yelling at you like the contestants on The Biggest Loser” she promised.

Ms. Bird also highlighted some of the benefits of strength training at any age. Strength training boosts metabolism, counters age-related muscle loss, aids weight loss and reduces arthritis pain were a few of the effects she highlighted. Kelly also made special mention that weight training can help women strengthen bones and minimize bone loss. She noted that strength training provides special benefits for those suffering from diabetes.

Kelly also discussed dietary challenges as part of gearing up for a healthy lifestyle. Her advice was to “eat when you’re hungry”, with small and more frequent meals throughout the day to maintain a more stable blood sugar level. She also suggested being careful to limit sugar intake, and to aim high for protein intake any time you are working to lose weight and build muscle. On a lighter note, Kelly advised “Don’t be the guy that heats up leftover fish in the office microwave – don’t be that guy!”

Bill and Kelly noted that Five Seasons has undergone significant renovations over the past year, and invited Rotarians and friends to come in for a visit. Five Seasons offers Adult and Junior Tennis Clinics, Karate lessons, Aquatic sessions in both indoor and outdoor pools, and fitness training. To learn more about Five Seasons visit www.fiveseasonssportsclub.com.

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.

Interact Club of the NKY Communities is calling all service minded young people ages 12-18!

Interact is your chance to:

 Make new friends

 Improve your community

 Develop leadership skills

 Make a difference in the world

This community-based Interact club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Florence. The NKY Communities club will complete two community service projects each year, including one that furthers international understanding and goodwill.

New INTERACT Page with latest News, Events & Activities – Including brochure and poster downloads!

Connect with Interactors around the world who are donating relief supplies to victims of natural disasters, organizing fundraisers to purchase books for needy schools, and volunteering their time and energy in their community. Join and be a positive influence while you make a difference in the lives of others!

Learn more by coming to one of our organizational meetings at the Boone County Public Library, Scheban Branch, Conference Room (2^nd floor) on

• Tuesday, March 20^th, 7-8 pm

Contact Barbara Rahn for more information: blrahn@insightbb.com or 859-663-8984

Dr. Jerry Tolbert, and son Dr. Gerry Tolbert explain the benefits of their family medical practice.

A father and son team of physicians recently opened a new family medical practice in Burlington.  Drs. Jerry Tolbert and Gerry Tolbert (aka Dr. J and Dr. G) are offering what they call a new approach to old-fashion medical care.  This retainer fee Practice, sometimes called Concierge Practice, has been around for a dozen years or so, but is relatively new to Northern Kentucky.

The Tolberts recently explained at a Florence Rotary Club meeting the basic concept of concierge medicine.  It is a contract between the doctor and patient.  One annual fee covers all family medical care for that year including all office visits and the annual physical examination.  Some tests such as x-rays are excluded, as are surgery and hospital stays. The patient has total access to the doctor via cell phone and email at any time. There is no waiting.

The Tolbert practice doesn’t accept insurance of any kind.  The result is that there are no issues with Medicare and/or insurance companies.  No one outside the two parties is dictating or limiting such things as time spent with the patient, number of visits required or the type of service provided.

The Tolberts said a key to this service is that the doctors care for fewer patients than in a conventional practice.  The patient/doctor relationship is one-on-one so they have more time to spend with each person.  Patients are never rushed out of the office nor have their care turned over to an assistant.

The doctors have agreements with Northern Kentucky hospitals giving them access to medical records, and permission to visit their patients when they are in the hospital.

Annual fees are currently set at $900 for one person, $1440 for two people and $1800 for a family. The office is located 1838 Old Florence Pike in Burlington, KY.  For more information you can call 859-586-8200.

For information about 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 Rotary web site at www.florencerotary.org.  Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.

Jack Gordon of Turfway Park in Florence, KY.

FLORENCE – Turfway Park will turn the VIP tent for the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes into a gambling casino on Saturday, March 17, for the 11^th annual Charity Night at the Tables.

No, the Kentucky General Assembly has not passed legislation legalizing casinos. It’s a mock casino and the gamblers will be betting with play money. Proceeds from the event will go to four Northern Kentucky charities.

“It’s just for fun, but a lot of charities have benefited over the years,” Jack Gordon, director of marketing at Turfway Park, told members of the Florence Rotary Club at a meeting on Monday, March 5.

Price of a ticket is $75 and will include drinks, a buffet and chips for the gaming tables. The tables will be open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided by My Sister Sarah.

Boone County CASA, New Perceptions, the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center and the Parish Kitchen will benefit from this year’s event. Gordon said all the proceeds will go to the charities.

Each guest will receive a bag of chips for the gaming tables. Participants will drop their “winnings” – chips they collect – into a pot for the charity of their choice. The charity with the most chips at the end of the evening will get first pick of the horses running in the Spiral Stakes on March 24 at Turfway Park. Each of the other charities will select a horse in descending order of winnings.

The charity whose horse crosses the wire first in the Spiral Stakes will win $10,000. The charity whose horse finishes next best will collect $6,000 and the remaining two charities will receive $4,000 each.

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce started Charity Night at the Tables more than a decade ago. The event has raised more than $321,000 over the years, according to Gordon.

Turfway Park picked up the event this year. Gordon said they hope to be able to help from 8-10 charities each year in the future.

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.