Thursday, December 4, 2014
Meeting at the Hard Rock Café at Bayside
President Diane Landsberg opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. She was illuminated by the gleaming, newly shinned Rotary bell on the podium. Thanks, in part, to help from Norm Kassoff.
Sgt-at-Arms, Shirley Pardon inspired us with an invocation.
Linda Singer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
GUESTS AND VISITORS:
We had only one visitor at the meeting – and she was a very special one. Mara Almeida, wife of Past-President and current Director, Jair Almeida joined the Club for lunch. It’s always wonderful to see our members “better” halves!
HAPPY DOLLARS:
Martin Thaler got happy dollars started. He was thrilled to have completed his visa issues and is now good-to-go for another four years in the states. Scott Richey was in St. Louis for Thanksgiving where his son got to enjoy the snow. Marcia Brod had a wonderful Thanksgiving at home with 25 of her family and friends. Rick Fernandez was happy to boast again of another victory of FSU. Linda Singer was thrilled to be standing in front of the group after hip surgery. Carols Batista was excited about his presentation today. Robin and Susan Shelley were glad to be back after a one month absence because of Rotary related events. Robert Bull is happy to report that the leukemia project in Guatemala has received great support from other Clubs in the District, including a $15,000 commitment from a club in Key West.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Your current board of directors has amended a new section of the club by-laws. Please follow the link to review the changes. Thursday 18th there will be a vote amongst the general membership to ratify the new by-laws. By-laws_Dec2014
Rotary District 6990 Golf Ball Drop – President Diane encouraged everyone to purchase their $25 chance to will big prizes. The Drop will be held in February. Contributions will credit members on their Rotary International Foundation account.
Robin Shelley shared information about the Rotary Zone meeting he attended. The Club is part of Zone 34. District 6990 was recognized for contributing over $131,000 to Polio Plus and 100% of the clubs in the District have contributed in some manner to Rotary International.
The Club’s Holiday Party will be Saturday, December 13. (NO THURSDAY MEETING DEC. 11) at the home of Diane Landsberg. RSVPs are required. Guests and children are welcome.
There will be a board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18. At the luncheon meeting on the 18th, the annual Griffitts Award will be presented in appreciation of the City of Miami Policeman of the Year. Be sure to attend.
Marcia Brod shared two pieces of news from Thomas Brown McClelland Alumni. Shane Walker sent in a beautiful letter of thanks for the scholarship funds that helped with the difficult financial burden of medical school. Alex Gonzalez, a physician in Boston, also expressed his thanks and made a generous donation back to the Trust.
SPEAKER:
President Diane introduced the speaker: fellow Rotarian Carlos Batista – a jack of all trades. He has degrees in architecture and psychology. He heads a non-profit and is very involved in the Miami community.
Carlos spoke about his work after graduating from college. He joined VISTA and was assigned to work in Tucson Arizona. The area is called the Barrios. The adobe homes had been damaged by water intrusion and the entire neighborhood was in a depressed state. The community was filled with multi-family homes built as extensions to the initial structures. After leaving VISTA, Carlos continued to work on the project with local government agencies and funders. With a lot of hard work and determination the neighborhood was reclaimed by its residents. The three ingredients in this resurgence were “hands” on work of the people, “family” involvement and “pride” in what was being achieved. The area is now listed as a National Historic Site and is a vibrant, safe community. Carlos was a major player in this effort and his own pride in his work and accomplishment was displayed in his passionate presentation.
CLOSING:
Jair Almeida handled the 50/50 raffle.
Brian Tschirhart concluded the meeting by leading everyone in Rotary’s 4-Way Test.
No THURSDAY MEETING DECEMBER 11
HOLIDAY PARTY AT DIANE’S HOME ON SATURDAY, DECEMBE 13 – FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME
Next meeting at the Hard Rock on Thursday, December 18th
Dr. Jack "Griffitts Award"
On an annual basis since 1968, the Rotary Club of Miami has been awarding $1,000 to an outstanding officer of the Miami Police Department. The award was created and funded by a generous contribution from Dr. Jack Griffitts, a successful Miami physician.
