The Rote
Thursday February 24th, 2022 Via Zoom
Scribe: Eileen Carpenter
Welcome: Noreen Timoney called the meeting to order at 12:31
Invocation: Shirley Pardon read A Rosary Prayer Let children live in peace, men & women live in peace, nations dwell in peace. This was very appropriate since we are watching the war between Ukraine and Russia unfold and the families, children and men that are devastated by it.
Leading of the Pledge: Norm Kassoff
Rotary is celebrating its own anniversary on February 23rd.
This is a photo of Thomas Brown McClelland who left money in his will to set up the TBM Scholarship Trust.
Noreen Timoney stressed the need for more volunteers for interviews and that Phil Seipp and Norm Kassoff will go into more detail about TBM and the process during their presentation.
Norm gave a very thorough overview of Thomas Brown McClelland: The early years growing up in tobacco country; receiving a scholarship to attended University of Kentucky to study plant life in America; graduated with degree in horticulture; worked for the Dept. of Agriculture in Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. He moved to Puerto Rico. In 1924 and was appointed Director of Agriculture and was given the task to determine what to do with Chapman Field. He collaborated with David Fairchild. He became a member of the Miami Rotary in 1939. He participated in many agriculture events and clubs and retired in 1945. He died in 1980 and was buried in Lexington, Kentucky with his parents. He donated 2.5 million to the Rotary Club. The club worked with Janet Reno to establish the guidelines for it’s use. In 1983, 12 University of Miami students were awarded $11,700 each. McClelland was tall and slender at 6’ 2” and a very soft-spoken gentleman to the end.
Phil Seipp talked about the Trust. Ways we as Rotarians can help: attend luncheons, pinning event and annual March interviews. He stressed it was a good way to get to know our fellow Rotarians. He walked us through the interview process start to finish and showed a sample application. Questions were put forth about logistics, procedures, and mask policy during interviews. Noreen said that we will comply with CDC and County health guidelines. Noreen praised Marcia’s efforts with TBM and other initiatives and expressed her delight and gratitude to have such great people involved in our community service and Club efforts.
The Coral Reef Restoration in the Keys on March 5th is sold out. Stay tuned for more information about another Coral Reef project.
Events for the Little Haiti Club and the Key Biscayne Club were promoted.
Happy Dollars will be contributed to the TBM fund as part of our Matching Funds effort.
Marcia Brod: Happy about her trip to meet an elementary school BFF in Ft. Myers
Robin and Susan Shelley: Proud to be part of TBM
Angela Deggs: Proud and Happy to be part of TBM
Phil Seipp: Happy about attendance.
Noreen Timoney: Blown away and honored to be part of this program
Noreen discussed the effort underway to call all members to ask questions about how we can make their Rotary experience the best it can be. Our goal is to ensure that each Club member receives value in their membership and to address their expectations and ideas for a good Rotarian experience. We encourage members to be more involved and engaged. We offer service opportunities, informative programs, professional and leadership training, and fun and fellowship. Noreen then called on Shirley Pardon to discuss her experience as part of TBM.
Shirley encouraged everyone to participate and said, “It is a wonderful experience and I’m grateful for everyone involved in the process.”
Noreen thanked Norm, Phil, Diane, Marcia, volunteers, guests and members. She identified the value of TBM to our Club’s vision and mission. She extended a special thank you to our international visitors. She reminded everyone of why we are Rotarians and shared the Rotary vision statement.
Robin Shelley led us in the four-way test.
Robin Shelley said, “To our two newest members keep up the good work.”
Noreen ended the meeting at 1:26 p.m.
