The Rote – July 13, 2017
The Miami Yacht Club
President Phil Seipp welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the 2017-18 Rotary year. This Rotary year begins the Club’s 101st Year since its founding – it’s going to be a great one!
Jay Almeida gave an invocation and Scott Richey led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Visitors and Guests were introduced by Randy Lichtman:
- Faradia Pierre, a TBM recipient, is a medical student at the University of Miami;
- Jorge Alameida joined us for lunch to learn more about the club and Rotary;
- Jeffrey Diamond, a TBM recipient, is a med student at the University of Florida;
- Emerson Perez, an honorary member of the club, is the faculty advisor for the Miami Senior High Interact Club;
- Nora Smires is a visiting Rotarian from the La Sa Nord Rotary Club in Morocco;
- Zoe Cosner, a TBM recipient, is attending medical school at John Hopkins;
- Kim Foster Cosner is Zoe’s proud Mom and thankful for the scholarship award to her daughter;
- Maria Socarras is a Development Officer at the University of Miami and will represent UM as a member of the Club as a result of UM’s Gala Sponsorship;
- Joseph Longueira, an honorary Club member, is President of the City of Miami PBA;
- Claudia Welsh is Director of Major Gifts at Legal Services of Greater Miami;
- Ricardo Jarvis is a former Rotarian and is now CEO of Global Technologies;
- Stephanie Mangels, a TBM recipient, is attending medical school at FIU.
Phil announced that Bruce Frazey will be moving west of Las Vegas. Bruce shared how much he will miss the club and its members. He thanks everyone for their support during the past year. Bruce – Best wishes from us all – you will be missed!
Phil presented new member Percy Nelson with his red badge!
Happy Birthday wishes were extended to our July babies (no actual ages were mentioned – thank goodness!!): Rick Miller (7/15), Susan Shelley (7/19), Dave Anderson (7/24) and Diane Landsberg 7/28.
Rotary Anniversary congrats were extended to Jay Almeida (18), John Carroll (18), Randy Lichtman (9), Phil Seipp (39), Shirley Pardon (4). Angel Rodriguez celebrates a one-year anniversary as an honorary member, which has now turned over to regular membership. Jeannette Borg celebrates her fifth year anniversary as an honorary Rotarian.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$ funds collected will be contributed to End Polio Now. Arlene Terrinoni collected lots of Happy $$$$$ from:
- Jay Almeida is so proud of his beautiful daughter. She is now officially the 1st Runner Up for Miss Florida. A great accomplishment!
- Norby Rudel will be singing and strumming at his new gig at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Coral Gables and Pinecrest. He’ll rotate between locations starting August 2 from 6-9;
- Randy Lichtman is happy that his son Eddy will be starting a new job that incorporates his talents in music and computer programing;
- Maria Socarras is happy to have the opportunity to be at the lunch meeting;
- Angel Rodriguez is looking forward to returning to the Military Lounge after renovations are complete. He thanked Major League Baseball, the Miami Marlins and the Robert McCormick Foundation for their efforts;
- Robin Shelley was happy to have Maria Socaras as a member from UM as part of their major sponsorship of the Club’s 100th Anniversary Gala;
- Noreen Timoney was happy to be at the meeting;
- Linda Singer enjoyed the Paul McCartney concert at the American Airlines Arena. She also had fun singing-a-long on the metro mover and train heading home;
- Oliver Ruiz reported that he has been nominated for a Dade County Bar Oscar award. He was sorry to have missed the installation dinner, but had a wonderful time in New England with his family – where, while looking for a quiet spot at the end of the beach, he found a UM fan hanging out on the beach. He enjoyed the Home Run Derby with his daughter. Finally, Oliver wishes Phil the best on the upcoming year;
- Joseph Longueira was happy that the PBA facilities are certified for use. They are now starting work on preserving the history of the Miami City Police Department in the museum on site;
- Scott Richey was sorry he was not at the installation dinner, but is happy to be back at Rotary. He wished Bruce good luck on his move. His daughter was baptized in Peru and his son brought home the gift of head lice to the rest of the family from his day camp. What fun for all!
- Phil Seipp had a terrific time at the Rotary International Convention and shared a wonderfully narrated slide show of his activities;
Announcements:
- The Club celebrated the 4th of July at the home of Don and Maria Van Orsdel. It was a wonderful event. Phil thanked the Van Orsdels for sharing their home with everyone. He also thanked Diane for her event planning skills and all others who helped;
- Thursday, July 20 – Board meeting at 10:30 prior to the regular luncheon meeting. All members are invited to attend the board meeting
- Thursday, July 27 – there will be a regular luncheon meeting. Area clubs will meet-and-greet the District Governor at Whiskey Joe’s on Key Biscayne in the evening.
- Saturday, August 12 – Summer Sale Day at Diane’s home. Don’t miss it! All proceeds will go to Every Rotarian Every Year;
- Diane Landsberg shared that all members will be receiving via email a log that should be completed to reflect the number of volunteer hours club members contribute in service to the Club and the community;
- There are opportunities for club members to sign up for committee positions to assist during this Rotary year. Be sure to check out what’s needed;
2016-2017 Awards of Appreciation
Now Past President Oliver Ruiz took this opportunity to thank those who participated in making our 100th Anniversary year a special one.
- A thanks to Past Presidents for their advice and guidance;
- Appreciation to all who assisted on the 100th Anniversary Gala to make it a success;
- All Board members were given a token gift of appreciation for their time and commitment;
- Emerson Perez was recognized for his work at Miami High;
- The Club received the 2016-17 Public Image Award – Jay Almeida was thanked for his work in this effort;
- Rotary International recognized Phil Seipp with a Membership Development Award for the membership packet that was created for potential members;
- Oliver was happy to pass off the Rotary gavel and steering wheel to now President Phil Seipp. He wished him well.
- Thanks to Robin and Susan Shelley, Gala Chairs. They in turn presented Oliver with an autographed copy of the 100th Anniversary Book of the Rotary International Foundation;
- Diane presented Oliver with a framed Gala invitation signed by all Club members. Oliver was also given a wine rack with a left over bottle of wine from the Gala. He’ll use that for sure!
Phil Seipp presented gifts to tribute sponsors in the Gala Memory book. Phil also presented Angel Rodriguez with a Paul Harris Fellow Medallion display plaque.
The Club thanked the Miami PBA for hosting the installation dinner. In appreciation, the Club made a $500 donation to the organization. Joseph Longueira accepted the check and was very grateful.
Phil acknowledged those who have agreed to serve on the 2017-18 board. He looks forward to a great start on our second 100 years of service!
Dave Skinner led everyone in the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say or Do.
