Guest speaker, Carolyn Ferrandino, was introduced by husband and fellow-Rotarian, John Ferrandino.  With a Masters Degree from Penn State (where they met) she furthered her studies at UPR & the U of Paris.   Then, Carolyn graduated with a Beekeeping Certification from the U of Kentucky and has been heavily involved with the bee industry in Puerto Rico.  She is also the President and Owner of Truly Nolen Pest Control.  Her mission is to try to create awareness of the importance of pollinators, honeybees and the honeybees on the island.  Pollinators range from lady bugs, bats, wasps, etc.  But, the most efficient and beneficial pollinator to mankind is the honeybee (Apis mellifera).

Everything honeybees do is good!  pollinate, food, medicine, lotions, creams, etc.  Bee pollen has an impressive nutritional profile.  It contains over 250 biologically active substances.  Even bee stings have medicinal value better known as Apitherapy.  Our speaker asked us to do our part to protect bees.  It's the best legacy we can leave our progeny.  Thanks to John for bringing us this positive and informative program.

ROTARY YEAR 2018-19 PERFECT ATTENDANCE:  JOSE "PEPITO" RIVERO-OLMEDO, BOB SCHNEIDER, ENRIQUE SIGAS AND WITH NINE STRAIGHT YEARS OF 100%, JUANITA VALENTIN MORRIS.

President Gerry Cumpiano began his talk by thanking District Governor Marilyn Lopez and the many other District officials who came to the Change of Command meeting as well as his wife and fellow-Rotarian, Betsy Parker, and members of his family.  Gerry then proceeded to lay out his vision for the direction of the Club in the new Rotary year.  With "Service Above Self” as its theme, Rotary has many different Avenues of Service for Rotarians to get involved.  Service to the Community is a tradition with our Club as is investing in Youth Leadership through Interact and Rotaract.  A major goal is increasing our membership.  He urged Rotarians to bring more people to lunches to learn about who we are.  By inviting guests and recruiting new members, the audience is enlarged and we will attract excellent speakers. Gerry touched on many areas that need improvement and asked Rotarians to look around the room at the team of people who are about to embark on this year's trip.  The Rotary Team is YOU.

District Governor Marilyn Lopez, her husband PDG Jorge Vazquez, DGE Mercedes Peguero, her husband AG Agustin Montanez were seated at the Head Table with Pepito and Gerry.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR Juanita Valentin Morris presented Rotary International's 100 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP certificate to Club President Pepito. in recognition of San Juan Rotary's century of the Object of Rotary, Service Above Self.