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Bear Facts E-Bulletin Community Service Month May 3, 2006
In this issue... Member Spotlight: Maria Rodriguez International Folk Festival...by Hank Lander Mickey The Bear Is Still Missing District Assembly Training-This coming Saturday!
Member Spotlight: Maria Rodriguez 
I was born and raised in a camp deep in the Santiago Mountains in the Dominican Republic.
I was daughter #4 in a family of sixteen – ten brothers and five sisters plus two more children my parents adopted. The last formal school grade I attended and completed was the third grade. This was the extent of the education for all who grew in the camp.
Luckily for me, a cousin who taught at the camp invited a small group of children who were eager to learn more to her home and listened to classes being taught over the radio. Sometimes we missed classes because the radio ran out of batteries and we found ourselves without money to replace them. Nevertheless, I managed to get to the tenth grade before I was forced to stop my schooling in order to take care of eight of my younger brothers and sisters while my parents started a life in the US.
I married young and my first two children were born twins – Nelson and Armando. Not long thereafter, my husband Fausto and I were given the visa to enter the US.
We have a lot to thank the US for affording us the opportunity to have a business and raise our children. I have always sought the opportunity to serve (through the church) and now with the Rotary Club. I am glad Carlos sponsored me to the club, giving me more opportunities to serve especially those who really need us.
This past year I have worked with Jim and Steve in a project to bring some help to an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. All I can say is that I am thankful for being part of the club. I feel like I am being protected by a family and although my English is limited, I feel I can communicate with everyone because everyone wants me to be part of the family.
Editor’s note: Maria and husband Fausto own Rolando’s Cuban Restaurant since 1999.
International Folk Festival...by Hank Lander "Wow! We put together a terrific festival for the community! >From start to finish, it was a perfect day. The performers were entertaining, the food was delicious, and the Artists, Associations, and Craftsmen had a wonderful array to view and purchase."
"We achieved the goals of the International Folk Festival event committee, and the goals of our club. We can stand proud, because together we met the achieved the Fourth Object of Rotary which is to; "The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through world friendship"
"I really do appreciate the compliments. But my hat goes off to the organizing committee, the many Rotarians, and their family members and friends that volunteered, and helped us to achieve and made this event as successful as it was."
Mickey The Bear Is Still Missing 
The kidnappers have been tight-lipped and the whereabouts of Mickey The Bear is still a mystery.
If you have any information which can lead to the rescue of our beloved mascot, please contact President Gary.
District Assembly Training-This coming Saturday! 
Many light bulbs will go off this coming Saturday for those who attend the District Assembly seminars.
There will be sessions practically for every job within the club: president, president-elect, secretary, treasurer, foundation, service projects, bulletin editor, etc.
Don't miss the opportunity in making a difference for your club if you have volunteered to help our incoming president - Al Cook.
Knowledge is power and power comes from many lights "going off" from the information and interaction with fellow Rotarians from throughout the district.
Sign up with president-elect Al. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.; assembly at 9 a.m. and seminars at 10 a.m. - noon.
Wed. May 3: Josephine Mercado, Executive Director of Hispanic Health Initiatives - helping the Hispanic communities in Central Florida Sat. May 6: District Assembly at UCF Sun. May 7: Rotary Club of Casselberry Picnic; location Spring Valley in Altamone Springs Wed. May 10: Vocational Talk - Frank Dennis on Home Insurance changes & Rotary Calendar committee presentation: 2007 Community Calendar Wed. May 24: Gift of Life by Marty Kramer (Winter Springs Club)
Quick Links... If you want the latest club roster, click on this link (password protected):
