President Oliver Ruiz welcomed everyone to today’s meeting and the glorious winter day that makes Miami such a beautiful place to live. Oliver thanked the board for another productive meeting. He also congratulated Scott Richey for celebrating his 13th year as a Rotarian.
Dave Anderson gave an invocation and Randy Lichtman led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Guests and Visitors were introduced by Shirley Pardon
Marcos Loffredo is Director of CSHC in New York and came down from vacationing in West Palm Beach to visit;
Claudia Gallego, a Financial Rep, for Thrivest Financial, was visiting again – we look forward to her becoming a member;
Alexander Polianichko, is a visiting Rotarian from St. Petersburg, Russia. He was in town to conduct the orchestra for the Florida Grand Opera. He is a constant traveler and we were glad he stopped by to visit;
Nelson Garcia, is an attorney/partner with Thyden, Grell & Callahan in Bethesda, Maryland. He is a member of the Bethesda Rotary Club. He was lucky to get out of the north before another storm hit and plans to enjoy Miami, his hometown.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Bunny Uriarte
Scott Richey was happy to be back at the meeting. He also reported that he and his son are thoroughly enjoying their bachelor days before Karla returns from out of town;
Linda Singer was so glad to have Bunny as a member in the club;
Claudia Gallego shared a touching story about her daughter’s compassion for others;
Dave Skinner was looking forward to and encouraged all to sign up and participate in the upcoming TBM interviews;
Tina Moore was happy to be back from the UK. She also reported that her 3-part TV mini-series has been well received;
Nelson Garcia invited everyone to attend the metroBethesda Rotary Club when visiting the DC area;
Alexander Polianichko was happy to be in Miami, a place that his wife loves to visit. He was also happy that his son is going to be married soon;
Arlene Terrinoni shared how much she enjoyed the opera Alexander is conducting.
Tim Ryan was glad to be back in Miami after a business trip to NYC. He is on his own as well since Sue is on a girls only trip to Biloxi (sounds like a lot of fun for the ladies!!);
Robin Shelley was happy to see such a good crowd at today’s meeting;
Oliver Ruiz shared that Dr. James Hutson, grandson of our founding club president, will be attending the Gala.
Announcements:
The Board approved a contribution of $2,500 to member Renel Noel’s non-profit to assist in his continued efforts to provide plumbing to a hospital in Haiti;
The Gala planning continues, with 25 of 35 tables already committed. Members should RSVP for the gala as soon as possible;
The Club will participate in a Chili Cook-off organized by the Rotary Club of Coral Gables on Sunday, February 26 – details to follow;
February 16 meeting at the Miami Yacht Club;
Saturday, February 18 – Club community service project at the Homestead Food Pantry;
February 23 – NO LUNCH MEETING – evening gathering will be held at Sabadell Bank;
March 2 – Joint meeting with the Coral Gables Rotary Club at the Hyatt. Former Florida Governor & Senator Bob Graham will be the speaker.
Speaker
Today’s speaker was Christina Boomer Vazquez. She is Deputy Director of Marketing and Public Engagement for the Perez Art Museum Miami;
Christina is a native of Miami and is happy to be back in her home town after a long absence;
Her responsibilities at the museum include marketing, visitor relations and the gift shop;
She spoke of the history of the Museum from its beginning and how the museum is now, besides an art museum, truly a “community” museum.
Much effort is being put into Art Education for all ages. Programming for students, adults, visitors and families is an important part of the Museum’s outreach program.
Christina turned the program around a bit – the Museum is embarking on a 5-year Strategic planning process and she asked for member input on any and all aspects and thoughts about the Museum.
She emphasized that PAMM is an international contemporary art museum serving our community.
Dave Skinner lead everyone in the 4-Way Test of the things we think, say or do.
