Each month The Jaycee Newsletter features an interview with a past president of our organization.  It is the past presidents that created the flame that still burns today and whose legacy we must carry on to the next generation of leaders.  January 2005 feature is Robert Giacin local CPA here in Hollywood. 

As President, what was your greatest accomplishment while in office?

Two accomplishments.....Building our current Jaycee Center......convincing the city commissioners to give us the land and convincing the First Nat'l Bank to loan us the $40,000 to build the building. Fred James and I were inseparable and determined to get the hall established. We found out that another major & larger organization (endorsed by the then Mayor) was in silent competition for the same land and that just made us "hone" our skills and political connections even more. The second was getting         Hollywood Inc., who owned the 10 acres of land at the base of Sheridan Street and the ocean to allow the     Jaycees to establish Jaycee Beach Park .....now known as the county’s North Beach Park.

 Why did you become a Jaycee?

 No pressure....Al Morton and Fred James were friends and they thought I would fit in with the other members and the clubs goals. I liked the opportunity to be able to express my feelings and conduct myself in a manner that if I made a mistake, it wouldn't cost me my livelihood. I loved the philosophy ..."service to humanity is the best work of life"...and performing along those lines from the Jaycee creed.

 What are your hopes and dreams for future Jaycees?

 I still have a soft spot for the JC's and would love to see them expand and take a more active role in community affairs, in particular civic projects that are an assist to city government. In the mid 60's, then city manager General Watson called on the Jaycees to help the city pass a sewer bond issue...the first one ever to put sewers thru out the city...things like that, and other roles in which you come to the aid of the citizens involving issues that could be detrimental or beneficial to them.

Where would you like to see the Jaycees organization in 5 or 10 years?

 As the most influential young men and women's organization in South Broward County that is developing and turning out leaders that are effective in making a change for the betterment of our community. When I was on the executive council for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, we established the current Leadership   Training program (Bill Horvitz, Pres of Hlwd Inc. funded it with $1,000)....we saw a need to develop better informed potential candidates for city government who could be more effective the day after they were elected rather than to use the office to learn how to govern the city.

 

What is the most significant project or service you and your fellow Jaycees organized during your term in office? Has this project continued a legacy?
We had the Mutt Derby for the kids, the Christmas Lighting contest for the community involvement, the Xmas & Thanksgiving day basket giveaways for the needy, the Miss Hollywood contest (in Fred's year, she made it to the Miss America contest) and the individual member improvement programs...like the Speak-Up program and other confidence building activities.

How have you ensured that the Jaycees continue to be a thriving, respectable community service organization in your area?

I watch, read, get their email announcements (really great idea) and financially help sponsor their activities and counsel when asked.

How has the Jaycee organization helped you meet personal and career goals?

The Jaycees philosophy enabled me to establish self  confidence in everything I did and took on as a challenge both in personal and business activities. My attitude developed that there is nothing you cannot do and be successful at if you just concentrate, plan properly and efficiently execute your intensions.

Pulling from your history with the Jaycees, what words would you use to describe the Jaycee organization?

Well intended men and women with ambitions to change for the better the environment and world in which we live.

Do you feel that the Jaycees is still a vital part of their community?

Yes, more so lately than in past 5-10 or so years.....I still feel they can be a more effective body of leaders by broadening their horizons and expanding their membership ...in numbers there is strength....I see a lot of potential and spirit that needs to be instilled on more of the membership...get them infected with ambition for  success.

Of our current projects that you are aware of, which do you feel makes the most impact on the community?

I guess the Miss Hollywood and Fiesta Tropical stand out with the most publicity. On our individual members? I don't know the answer to this one, not having been in attendance to your "working meetings"

Is there any 1 Jaycee Moment that sticks out above all others?

I feel it is service to humanity is the best work of life.......it is broad, non-invasive to any race, color or creed,     benefiting to the most, and is in itself a tool that helps develop ones character, integrity, and leadership abilities. Remember, what Napoleon once said, "give me enough medals, and I can conquer the earth"........give recognition and honor to those who aspire to succeed and you will have turned a seed into a farm