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Temporary Meeting Location 4-22-2019

For our next meeting April 22, 2019 we will be meeting at an earlier time (5:30 pm) and a different location, the Duffy's Sports Grill in Boca Raton: 21212 Saint Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431. This location is near the Town Center at Boca Raton. From I95 heading west, south (left) on Saint Andrews, Duffy's is on left in shopping plaza just beyond N Verde Trail. The earlier time is necessary because the private dining area is only available until 7pm.

Our host for the past several years, The Griddle, has closed temporarily for relocation. During the next few weeks, we will be reviewing our meeting location and plans for continuing permanent location.

4-15&22-19 Contracts Part 1&2 - Michael Robert Flam

During our meeting Monday April 15, 2019 Michael Robert Flam, Attorney and Counselor at Law began to demystify contracts in the first of a two part review; part 2 will be presented Monday April 22, 2019. Michael has 19 years experience as general counsel for a global manufacturer and as assistant counsel for a national real estate developer.

Michael told us to be sure to read and understand the contract before it is signed. Once signed it becomes a binding agreement. The agreement may be between two parties or multiple parties, and it is important to recognize all who are included and what their participation amounts to. So be careful what you sign!

Also recognize that an article defining amendment signifies that there is an intent to permit amending the agreement. So be sure to understand the conditions and process for amendments that are to some degree anticipated according to the agreement.

Contracts typically involve five key elements: Offer to provide goods or services, acceptance, consideration (compensation), mutual understanding, and legal capacity to bind a party. When participating and signing, the signators must have appropriate authority to bind the parties regarding the agreement. Michael emphasized the importance of recognizing these elements and comprehending the documentation describing them. He provided some examples and then told us how he learned the importance of being terse but complete and clear when scribing the agreement, pointing out that often the more lengthy contracts may be ambiguous leading to opportunity for litigation instead of fulfilment.

Michael went on to explain several standard terms used in a contract, such as governing law, dispute resolution, entire agreement, assignment, severability, force majeure, insurance, indemnification, and many more, taking much of the mystery out but making clear the importance of selecting a good lawyer and trusting your lawyer before signing. Michael helped us realize seemingly subtle differences between effects regarding insurance and indemnification. He also provided some stories helping clarify the importance of recognizing and understanding the extent of parties bound.

This was a superb opportunity to get a better understanding of contracts and Michael's very special skills, knowledge and character. We are fortunate to learn from him as a member of our club, as well as to have the opportunity to develop closer relationships. Thank you Michael and we look forward to the second part of this informative review of contracts!

Michael Robert Flam earned a Bachelor of Arts in History at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; a Juris Doctor from University of Toledo College of Law; and at Boston University Questrom School of Business - Executive Leadership Center, a Mini MBA for In-House Counsel, in conjunction with the Association of Corporate Counsel

FAU HS Interact Club 2019 Induction

Posted by Gail Ambrose on Apr 15, 2019

As the Interact liaison from our Club, along with Phil Lustig who was not able to attend, I was honored to attend the FAU High School Interact Induction Ceremony on April 15, 2019. I had an opportunity to speak to the Club members to thank them for their work on many community and international projects this year. They exemplify our motto of “Service Above Self”. The photo above shows the four co-presidents, from left to right, Chloe Joseph, Xiyan Wu, Melanie Caicedo, and Della Levine. I was able to present each of them with Interact President pins.

Phil and I look forward to working with this amazing group of Interactors in the coming year. We are fortunate to have Robin Barkes as the club’s faculty advisor. She does a wonderful job. Just as an aside I am pleased to see that the Club uses our Affirmation to begin their meetings. A reception followed the ceremony with delicious grilled cheese sandwiches made on site by Robin.

The Club asked me if we could help with their final project of the year. They are having a Back To School Drive to collect school supplies for the Florence Fuller Center to be given to economically disadvantaged children in the aftercare academic enrichment program. Please bring some school supplies to our next few meetings. This is one way we can show our support for these hopefully future Rotarians. I will be collecting supplies until our May 6 meeting and Phil and I will see that they get to Interact.

4-8-2019 Club Assembly

Our meeting April 8, 2019 was a Club Assembly at the Renaissance Hotel, 2000 NW 19th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33431.

Our agenda included: Club stats, House Committee (relocation and meeting formats), Speaker/Program, and Events/Projects.

Secretary Jerry Leitherer reported that our current membership includes 22 active with two currently on leave of absence and four qualified as R85 attendees, plus 9 honorary. Our reported attendance for the most recent month was 94.49%.

Following Board of Directors action, President Ana Londono has established a House committee with the following assignment:

Conduct Club Survey
Review Location Options
Review Meeting Format Options
Review Meeting Schedule Options
Recommend Favored Option
Complete by 4/21

Committee members include: Chair Susan Meister, Steve Perman, Michael Flam, Jerry Leitherer, Joseph Mirrione, and Dan Singh.

The following Events were announced and attendance encouraged: FAU HS Scholar Gala May 13 6pm at Maggiano's Little Italy - chaired by Sam Khazem, and Officer Installation Dinner May 20 6pm at Farmer's Table - chaired by Susan Meister.

Temporary Meeting Relocation 4-15-2019

For the month of April we will be meeting at the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel in Boca Raton: 2000 Northwest 19th Street, Boca Raton, FL, 33431.

Model UN Student Aitana Gonzalez Borges

During our meeting Monday April 1, 2019, Honorary Member Robin Barkes introduced our FAU HS Model UN Student Aitana Gonzalez Borges. Aitana thanked our club for sponsoring her to attend the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

She told us that she participated in the diplomatic simulation of the Economic and Financial Council of the United Nations, in which she focused on the issues of food security in developing nations as well as the regulation of cryptocurrency. This simulation required work with other nations to solve problems in a 24-hour period.

Aitana said, " this experience was a very rich one, as it allowed me to grow in my communication skills, and my abilities to compromise with other people." She thanked us for the opportunity to broaden her horizons with this engaging and educational experience involving world-wide cooperation.

FAU HS Rotary Scholar for April 2019 Courtney Baer

During our meeting April 1, 2019, we honored Courtney Baer as the Florida Atlantic University High School Rotary Scholar for April 2019. The FAU High School Rotary Scholar of the Month is selected by the FAU HS staff in recognition of character, ethics, morality, community service, and academic achievement.

Courtney expects to graduate FAU HS in May this year and continue study to complete a BS in Accounting with a minor in Criminal Justice at University of Florida. She told us about her experiences and studies including internship with Jupiter Police Department, tutoring in HS and college, and more than 500 hours volunteer services for American Cancer Society, art festivals, and toy drives.

Courtney identified one of the initial motivators in her pursuit of scholarship and community service when she reminded us that we had honored her sister Chelsea as the FAU HS Scholar for January 2015. Since that time she worked and hoped to earn a similar honor. As a member of the National Honor Society her service, including tutoring others to share her acquired skills has indeed, earned this recognition.

One of the service projects that Courtney felt important to mention was the opportunity to provide handmade capes for children entering extended hospital treatment. She had participated

in the Capes for Kids program that partners with Fleece & Thank You to provide blankets, videos and capes with personal messages of hope and courage.

Courtney was accompanied by her parents Cindy and Todd Baer, who responded with pride when asked about experience supporting Courtney in her educational and service pursuit. Additionally, FAU HS Associate Director David Kelly was on hand to review Courtney's accomplishments and compliment her for the salient qualities that earned this recognition.

The celebration concluded with the presentation of the certificate of recognition presented by club President Ana Londono and followed with congratulations and encouragement from sponsors PDG Phil Lustig and Gail Ambrose.

We are a small friendly dinner club with strong Rotary Foundation support. Our membership includes three past district governors and special enthusiasm for youth and literacy service. We distribute dictionaries to six local elementary schools, bring Josh the Otter with a swim safety program to three pre-K schools, and honor a Rotary Scholar each month for the high school hosting our Interact club.

Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

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Rotary Boca Raton Sunset, PO Box 810427, Boca Raton, FL 33481-0427

Events Jan-Jun 2019

Nearing Activities & Events

April 22: Temporary Location will be the Duffy's Sports Grill in Boca Raton: 21212 Saint Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431.

May 13: FAU HS Rotary Scholarships Gala will occur at Maggiano's Little Italy, 21090 Saint Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton. Sam Khazem and his committee are establishing plans for the event.

May 20: Officer Installation Dinner will occur at Farmer's Table, 1901 N Military Trl, Boca Raton. Sue Meister and her committee are establishing plans for the event.