GFLSCI NEWS
Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International Monthly Newsletter
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September 2008 Edition
Don't Miss our Dinner on the River!
When : November 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Where : Nuccia McCormick Residence,
11 Harborage Isle, Fort Lauderdale, Fl, 33316
Cost : $85 for members, $95 for non-members
Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International and the Marine Industry Committee would like to invite you to come celebrate an international night of food, dance and entertainment at our Dinner on the River Event, November 2nd, 2008 at 7pm at Nuccia McCormick's Residence, 11 Harborage Isle in Fort Lauderdale. This event promises to be very exciting as we are pulling together the international flavor of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (the largest in the world) with a spectacular evening of great food, live music, open bar, and fabulous auction items. We will be welcoming our special Australian guests and all the other maritime alliances around the world. Seating for this event is limited. For more information on Dinner on the River and to RSVP, click here to go to our website.
Top Stories
Broward Alliance Appoints Mark Templeton, President and CEO of Citrix Systems, to be the Featured Speaker on Leadership at their Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon
Mark B. Templeton, President and CEO of Citrix Systems, delivered a remarkable speech on Leadership as Featured Speaker at the Broward Alliance Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon on September 4. Highlights of Templeton speech on Leadership featured some of the key qualities of a leader including integrity, conviction, strong principles and courage. He also emphasized that Leadership does not encompass the labor of one single person but rather stems from a team effort. Broward County's homegrown Citrix Systems, Inc. is a global leader and the most trusted name in Application Delivery Infrastructure. The company is listed under NASDAQ (CTXS) and has approximately 8,000 partners in more than 100 countries with annual revenues in 2007 of $1.4 billion. Templeton also announced that Citrix will remain in Broward County. Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International would like to congratulate Mark Templeton and Citrix Systems for their outstanding leadership and involvement in our community. Marianne Winfield, Vice President of Economic Development for Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International, also received special recognition along with other leaders in the community for their exceptional work.
GFLSCI Congratulates The Youth Ambassadors on Another Successful Summer Student Exchange Program for Greater Fort Lauderdale Sisters Cities International!
Thanks to the Thomas McCormick Fund, Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities in collaboration with the City of Rimini, Italy, organized this wonderful summer student exchange program. Two very fortunate students, Angelique Marcelli and Katrina Hruschka, studied the Italian language, history and culture at the Tiberius International School for one month while being hosted by two different Italian families, the Ragni and the Sabattini family. GFLSCI would like to thank Carla Monti, Department of External Relations, City of Rimini, who played a key role with Nuccia McCormick, Chair Emeritus for GFLSCI, in organizing the program and guiding the students during their stay abroad. Angelique Marcelli, 18 and Katrina Hruschka, 15, packed their bags and left on June 15 to Rimini, Italy for a trip they will never forget.
Angelique and Katrina were welcomed by the Italian families. During the program, the students learned interesting facets of the Italian culture such as the importance they attribute to family values and how significant it is for them to share a family meal. The girls visited Venice, Rome, Florence, and Angelique's ancestral town of Anversa in the Abruzzi region. They also learned that as American teenage girls, they share many similarities with Italians their age. Upon their return, our students and their Rimini hosts had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor for the City of Fort Lauderdale, the Honorable Jim Naugle. They prepared a presentation for him and GFLSCI board members filled with interesting facts that they learned about Italy and great pictures they took during their trip.
From the Left: Katrina Hruschka, Angelique Marcelli, Mayor Jim Naugle, Claudia Sabattini and Gloria Ragni
Nuccia McCormick, Chair Emeritus, expressed that these students were "excellent ambassadors for the summer exchange student program as they represented our country with dignity and pride". She also added: "This was yet another great summer exchange student program for Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International. This year was extra special as we had the assistance and great support of Jorge Guerra, at that time Chair of Education. We are planning to add more programs in the educational field as it broadens our younger generations' perception of the world and provides them with an experience that will mark them for the rest of their lives". This program is funded by The Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International Boat Parade Celebration and is hosted at the elegant home of Nuccia McCormick. This year, the annual celebration is scheduled for December 13 and will include dinner, dancing under the stars and the viewing of the world-renowned Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade Show.
From the Left: Gloria Ragni, Katrina Hruschka, Nuccia McCormick, Angelique Marcelli, and Claudia Sabattini in Rome, Italy
On July 14th, our Fort Lauderdale youth ambassadors returned to Fort Lauderdale with Claudia Sabattini, 17, and Gloria Ragni, 19, the Italian exchange students, for their month long experience in America and intensive English classes at Fort Lauderdale's Language Academy. The Marcelli and Hruschka families are hosting Claudia and Gloria. The Italian students are really excited about their participation as it is also the first time they have visited the United States. Not only will this be a great learning experience for them but they will be able go back to their country and relate what they have learned with their friends and family back in Italy.
 
Angelique and Claudia preparing Polenta at the Marcelli's Residence
Another valuable aspect of the program is that the Italian students are able to share some of their traditions with us. For example, the girls hosted a "Polenta Night" where Claudia Sabattini revealed her family's traditional recipe for this famous Northern-Italian specialty along with a very unique way to serve the Polenta. No plates were necessary as the Polenta was poured directly on the table! This was a night everyone present will remember!!!! What a new and creative way to entertain your guests.
GFLSCI is thrilled to be part of this wonderful program and looks forward to hearing more news from the Italian exchange students who fully enjoyed the great experiences, diversified activities and adventures organized for them during their stay in South Florida.
Exchange Students with GFLSCI board members at Nuccia McCormick's Residence
GFLSCI`s Olympic Opening Ceremonies Get Together-Let the Games Begin!
On August 8, 2008 at 8pm, Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International organized an evening of fun at Galuppi`s (1103 N Federal Hwy) in Pompano Beach to commemorate the Opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing. The evening was also a farewell party for our Italian exchange students. Apart from enjoying the Opening Ceremonies, guests and members had the opportunity to meet our exchange students from Italy who were interviewed by Channel 6 News who broadcasted the event later that evening. This event was the first sponsored event for our Environmental Committee. The Environmental Committee looks forward to organizing many events such as this one throughout the year. GFLSCI and the Environmental Committee would like to thank the Vryidian Group, One Village Planet and Galuppi`s for their help in making this evening unforgettable!
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The exchange students reunited at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies Get-Together
Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International Joins the International Calendar of Events of "The September Concert" on September 11, 2008 at Sister Cities Park
This year marked the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York City and Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities in collaboration with The September Concert Series joined hands to present an unforgettable free concert to promote peace around the world. Florida's Favorite Rock & Roll Band, The Regs of the Florida Keys, rocked and jammed at Las Olas Riverfront on September 11 from 5:30pm-8:00pm. The band was also honored at the event as each member received a commendation from the City of Fort Lauderdale for their participation in this noble cause. The Honorable Jim Naugle, Mayor for the city of Fort Lauderdale personally thanked the band and read a September 11 proclamation from President George W. Bush.
GFLSCI also held a raffle with proceeds going to the Humanitarian, Environmental, and Haiti committees for Hurricane Relief Assistance to communities near our Sister City, Cap Haitien, Haiti.
The September Concert is a series of free musical performances held in cities around the world on September 11th every year. The concerts offer a way for our community to commemorate this historic date and focus on bringing all communities together, reaffirming our hope for world peace and celebrating life and universal humanity. Sister Cities International and its members are delighted to partner with The September Concert Foundation to host annual events.
In 2007, The Sister Cities International Headquarters office in Washington D.C. organized over 200 concerts with more than 3,000 performers. In addition to 119 concerts in New York, 42 US cities hosted concerts as well as 39 international cities, such as Rome, Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, Johannesburg, Casablanca, and Cap Haitien, Haiti.
We would like to thank Marina Pavlov, Fund Development Chair and Antonio Marcelli, Humanitarian Chair for bringing forth and organizing such a wonderful and important event. We would also like to give our special thanks to The Regs of the Florida Keys (Scott Migone, Myke Young, Jamie Villa & Little John) for their rocking performance and for their dedication to this event, to Safeea who helped coordinate with many other volunteers and to our sponsors: The City of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Riverfront, South Port Raw Bar, Total Wine and The Palm Grill.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities is please to introduce The September 11 Concert to their yearly calendar. Therefore, if you missed this event, we hope you will join us next year in our efforts to promote peace around the world!
'Little John' from the Regs of the Florida Keys performing at the September Concert
The Regs of the Florida Keys rocking the night away!
Fort Lauderdale Mayor, the Honorable Jim Naugle, GFLSCI board members, The Regs of the Florida Keys and other key members helped make this event memorable!
Welcome on Board!
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International family continues to grow and in light of this, we would like to introduce the latest addition to our board of directors:
Mark Tortora, Country Chair for Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast Australia Committee nominated their new Chair, Mr. Mark Tortora. After moving to Fort Lauderdale in 1989 from Queensland, Australia, Mark Tortora started his career in yachting as a freelance shore side refit support. He quickly moved up through the ranks to operations coordinator at one of the world's largest yacht refit facilities located in Fort Lauderdale. Mark subsequently co-founded his own firm with fellow Australian and childhood friend Adrian Farmer and his wife Sabrina. GFLSCI is thrilled to welcome Mr. Tortora as the new chair for the Gold Coast Committee and looks forward to many more fruitful joint efforts projects with our Sister Cities in Australia.
Felipe Correa, Country Chair for Quepos, Costa Rica
 Mr. Felipe Correa has recently been elected the new country chair for the city of Quepos, Costa Rica. Felipe is a citizen of Costa Rica who moved with his family to Fort Lauderdale 17 years ago in pursuit of higher education and opportunity. Felipe's educational background includes successful completion of Nova Southeastern University's Intensive Language program, where he received awards of outstanding achievement. He is a Dean's List graduate of Florida Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Upon completion of his university studies, Felipe began to work in the financial services industry as a basic financial planner. He was sponsored by Fortis Investors to obtain a series 6 securities license, as well as life & health insurance licenses in Florida, Texas, and California. In 1998, Mr. Correa launched a successful career in the hospitality industry where he found his true passion. He worked as a Resort Concierge and Assistant Events Planner for many years on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. This work also allowed him to travel to major cities around the country as an event planner, serving many National Football League athletes, their sports agents and families at 5 NFL Super Bowls. This experience helped Felipe open his own business in May 2002, where he merged professional resort/leisure concierge services with a high quality tour operation providing excursions from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, the Florida Everglades, the Florida Keys and Key West. Mr. Correa's primary focus today is on the tour operation, which serves many resorts and hotels throughout Ft. Lauderdale. He also works as a Marketing Consultant for Bahama Link, a company representing the Discovery Cruise Line to Freeport, Bahamas. Felipe currently resides in Fort Lauderdale by the Sea with Mindy, his wife and business partner, and their "talkative" cat Gabby. They have worked carefully and arduously to bring their hospitality business to a high level of quality, service, and profitability. Through their professional endeavors they have become true "champions" of Ft. Lauderdale and South Florida.
GFLSCI Country Chairs News
Fort Lauderdale - Mar del Plata, Argentina
Committee Report for August 2008
Contributed by Cris Boehler, Country Chair for Mar del Plata, Argentina
Cris Boehler, Country Chair person for Mar del Plata, Argentina will be visiting our sister city, Mar del Plata, to deliver funds raised in a special fund raiser to the Hospital de Ninos (Childrens Hospital) in Mar del Plata, Argentina. This is a hospital exclusively for children and although it is government subsidized, it lacks in supplies, equipment etc...
Cris will also deliver a salutation letter from our Mayor, The Honorable Jim Naugle to the newly elected Mayor of Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Fort Lauderdale - Quepos, Costa Rica
Committee Report for August 2008
Contributed by Steven P. Naimoli, Treasurer and Past President
Felipe Correa, the country chair for our new Sister City Quepos in Costa Rica, Marcus Koch, our Events Chair and Steven P. Naimoli, Treasurer and Past President are pleased to announce the planning of a GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE SISTER CITIES EVENT to be held early October as a benefit for the Lifeguard Program in Quepos. The Town of Quepos, located on the southwest coast of Costa Rica, currently lacks a municipally run Lifeguard Service. Their lifeguard service is self-funded through donations, and fundraisers. Presently, Quepos has 2 lifeguards, with no formal training on a 6 day work week. The beach has no signs and no towers for the Lifeguards. Their program lacks tools such as radios, p.a. system, phones, vehicles, first aid equipment, and basic water rescue equipment. The purpose of the event would be to gather much need equipment by the Lifeguard Service in Quepos. Please see details about this event below in our Upcoming Events section.
GFLSCI Upcoming Events
GFLSCI Special Event organized for the city of Quepos in Costa Rica
When : Monday, October 13, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Where : Hyatt Regency Pier 66 (lobby lounge)
2301 S.E. 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33316
Cost: Members - $20
Non-members - $25
City Employees -$10
(Receive $5 discount with donation)
Felipe Correa, the country chair for our new Sister City Quepos in Costa Rica, Marcus Koch, our Events Chair and Steven P. Naimoli, Treasurer and Past President would like to cordially invite you to attend this special event in benefit of the city of Quepos, Costa Rica. Enjoy your first drink on the house, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and a great chance to meet people who are making a positive difference in the life of the citizens of our Sister City, Quepos. We will be collecting donations of items needed by the Quepos Fire, Ocean Rescue, and Police Departments. Please check the following list to see how you may help for this great cause:
Rescue tubes, first aid kits, fins, binoculars, rescue boards, marine radios, office supplies, flashlights, rain gear, traffic vests, batteries, and cash donations are also welcomed and greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there!
To RSVP, please click here to go to our website or call Kim Naimoli at 954-565-1400.
The 2008 Boat Parade Celebration to benefit the Thomas W. McCormick Scholarship Fund of Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International
When : December 13th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Where : Ms.Nuccia McCormick Residence, Fort Lauderdale
Note: Limited Seating
Please join us in admiring the world renowned Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade in a special evening celebration to benefit the Thomas W. McCormick Scholarship Fund. This special event will take place at the residence of Nuccia McCormick, Chair Emeritus of GFLSCI, in Harborage Isle, Fort Lauderdale on December 13th starting at 5:30pm. Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing under the stars with a magnificent front view of this memorable show. All proceeds from this celebration will benefit honor students from Broward County in financial need to attain International Education with the Thomas W. McCormick Scholarship Fund under Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International. Seating is limited.
To RSVP for this event, please click here to go to our website. |
