President Robert Bull welcomed everyone to our February 25^th meeting.  This was our 35^th Meeting of this fiscal year and Robert was leading the meeting from an island (Koh Samet) in the Gulf of Siam. We had over sixty people in attendance, including many FIU TBM Scholars and FIU faculty. he was in Bangkok and as his virtual backdrop he had a slide of the Reclining Buddha.

 

Jay Almeida, our former President and birthday celebrant, gave the invocation.  Brenda Abreu Molnar, a TBM Scholar led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Allison Chin, FIU Rotaract President, introduced our keynote speaker, Dr. Gregory Schneider. His presentation covered the activities of Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program, aka Neighborhood HELP.FIU Scholars: He addressed the issues that many are facing due to COVID from food insecurity to even housing insecurity and the difficulties children are facing.  Immediately after his presentation and an active Q&A session, Robert Bull presented him with a virtual Certificate of Appreciation. 

 

Marissa Miles, then proceeded to comment about the two binders the were given to Diane Landsberg that detail the FIU TBM Scholars.  She then proceed to show an edited audio/video thank you note from the TBM Scholars.  The full length video was distributed to Club Members and will be posted on the Club's website.

 

Birthdays/Announcements: Jay Almeida and Alberto Diaz’s birthdays are today.  Tina Moore’s fifth year Rotary anniversary is also today.  Susie Shelley and Linda Singer will celebrate their Rotary anniversary on March 1^st, (22 and 31 years, respectively). February 23^rd was the 116^th anniversary of Rotary International.  February 25^th was National Chocolate Covered Nut Day, so enjoy your nuts covered in chocolate.

 

GBI Rx: Phil Seipp, who could not attend this meeting sent us a message.  As of February 25^th, we have achieved our goal of raising $125,000.  A deposit was of $5,365 was received, mostly from the John Knox Village Club, and that took us over the top.  So our Club will honor its pledge to match these funds.  This added to the $100,000 from the Danish Electric Company will provide us a total of over $350,000 to help the rebuilding of the Rand Hospital on Grand Bahama Island.  Phil is to be congratulated for his excellent work leading this project from the initial stage to where we have reached. CONGRATULATIONS.

 

Tree Planting in Crandon Park:  This event will take place of Saturday, March 13^th.  We need volunteers to help plant two hundred (200) green buttonwood trees.  All are welcome.  Details will be emailed out in a separate communication.

 

Matzvah Mitvah: Mark your calendars for this upcoming program on March 21^st.  We will be distributing Passover foods to homebound elderly senior citizens and holocaust survivors.  Details will be forthcoming.

 

ESMAG Community Service: Hugo Montaudon’s son, Elliott, has been picking up litter along the streets where he lives.  He earned Community Service hours.  All your children/grandchildren may also earn Community Service hours doing environmental projects.  Just let us know.

 

Happy Dollars were dedicated to the FIU Rotaract Club and Walk-a-Thon project to generate funds for bus passes for those who need transportation to medical facilities or to the supermarket. Donors were: Robert Bull, Amelia Bonilla, Linda Singer, Agathe Padovani, Robin Shelley (who just had his COVID-19 vaccination), Diane Landsberg, Noreen Timoney and Marcia Brod.

 

Four-Way Test: Amelia Bonilla ended the meeting by leading us in the Four-Way Test.