And He's a Grand Old Doc', Too.

Chester ("Doc") Morris is a retired doctor, a former BP Commissioner, and still a member of the Miami Shores Rotary Service Club.  He's been active in our community for the several decades he's lived here.  Chester, and the Rotary Club, want something from us.

The Rotary Club, as is true of all men's service clubs, does charitable works.  They do local projects, like providing swimming lessons for kids at the Miami Shores pool and supporting other local kids' sports programs.  They provide Publix gift cards for needy families at holiday times, like Thanksgiving.    They underwrite scholarships at local schools.

They do international projects, many having to do with improving general sanitation and access to potable water, as well as education-related projects in impoverished areas of the world (India, Peru, Afghanistan, Dominican Republic).

So what do Rotarians want from us?  A little participation.  To spend money, Rotary has to raise money, and one local fund-raiser is renting American flags to people.  For a $50 yearly membership in the program, any of us can receive an American flag provided by the MSV Rotary four times a year.  Flags are placed wherever you want them on July 4, Memorial Day, Veterans' Day, and Presidents' Day.  Rotary leaves the flag with you anywhere from about three days to a week each of the four times.  And they provide the pole, too.  In my case, I donate my display to the Village, so the display occurs at Griffing Park, across 6th Avenue from Village Hall.

The Rotary Club is happy to get the $50, and homeowners are happy to have a flag delivered and picked up.  You don't lift a finger.  According to the flyer they recently sent, "100% of your donation goes to a worthy cause through the Miami Shores Rotary Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization."

If you might be interested in helping "Doc," the Rotary Club, yourself, and a number of very worthy charities this way, contact "Doc" by e-mail at morriscsm@aol.com.  He'll answer any questions, and he'll set you up with a flag.