The Rote – June 21, 2018
The Miami Yacht Club
President Phil Seipp called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. He had a spring in his step and a noticeable joy in his speech – it might have something to do with his presidential year coming to an end with next week’s meeting. It truly has been a great year!
Jay Almeida gave an invocation and Dave Skinner led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Guests and Visitors were introduced by Linda Singer
- Linnetta Aliu-Otokiti joined the meeting to lunch with her Rotarian family members - husband Patrick and daughter Virgilie;
- Virgilie Pete, mother and grandmother in the Aliu family also participated;
- Jim Cunningham was visiting Miami and is a Rotarian in the South Bend, Indiana Club of 260 members. He works in Employer Relations at the University of Notre Dame.
Announcements
- Thanks were given to Diane Landsberg for her work on a terrific installation dinner for our incoming president Dave Skinner;
- July 4th is another great event for club members and their guests. Members Don and Marie Van Orsdel will be opening up their home for the holiday. They live right on the golf course at the Biltmore Hotel – a prime location for fireworks viewing. RSVPs are required. Members will be charged 2 lunch meals for the event and guests are $40.
- Luis Machuca has been to sooooo many Rotary lunches – many of us thought he was a longtime Rotarian. Well, as of today he finally will be an official Rotarian. Welcome to the club, Luis – we look forward to seeing you even more often!
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$ collected today by Robert Bull will be contributed toward the member’s EREY account for the coming year.
- Randy Lichtman had a wonderful trip to Colorado and Wisconsin to visit his children. He also went to a Rotary Club in Aurora CO. He will be missing the Van Orsdel event on the 4th, but club members will find him playing with the Miami Symphonic Band at the Biltmore – walk over and give him a wave;
- Dave Skinner thanked everyone for the lovely evening at his installation dinner.
- Linda Singer also enjoyed Dave’s installation dinner, in addition to the District Installation dinner on Saturday;
- Virgilie Aliu was happy for 1) Wendy from Chapman Partnership coming to the meeting; 2) her parents and grandmother being at today’s meeting; 3) she is officially on vacation as of today; 4) her birthday is Tuesday (she did not reveal what birthday it was); and 5) she was thrilled that Luis Machuca was becoming a Rotarian today;
- Jay Almeida was excited to have Luis joining the club. He will also be busy next week with both daughters competing in the Miss Florida pageant;
- Diane Landsberg enjoyed the fun installation event. It was great to have the three District Governors in attendance, current, incoming and future;
- Bunny Uriarte was so happy to be back at Rotary. She has been very busy with work this past month. She thanked Jay’s daughter for helping read to children in a bi-lingual event. She was also equally excited about MDC Rotaract receiving an award from the Clinton Global Initiative;
- Phil Seipp thanked everyone for all the kind words and encouraged everyone to attend next week’s meeting when he will acknowledge all those who have helped during the year.
New Member Induction - President Phil Seipp brought Luis Machuca up front along with his sponsors Patrick & Virgilie Aliu for a short, but nice induction ceremony (his first ever). After receiving his Rotary lapel pin, he was officially welcomed as our newest Rotarian after “visiting” for years.
Today’s Speaker was introduced by Virgilie Aliu.
- Wendy Viciana works in community relations at the Chapman Partnership for the Homeless. Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, operating two Homeless Assistance Centers in downtown Miami and Homestead;
- Their mission statement is to: Provide comprehensive programs and services in collaboration with others that empower our residents with dignity and respect to overcome homelessness, and achieve and maintain long-term self-sufficiency
- Their facilities can house 800 homeless men, women and children. A complete array of services are provided to these individuals – medical, educational, job training and placement, housing and more – in an effort to assist in with the eventual goal of independent living;
- Since 1995, Chapman Partnership has had more than 110,000 admissions including 24,000 children in Miami-Dade County and a 64% success rate of moving people who complete the program from homelessness to self-sufficiency;
- At Chapman Partnership they empower men, women and children experiencing homelessness to build a positive future by providing the resources and assistance critical to growth and independence. They empower the homeless by:
- Providing Access to Care
- Creating a Nurturing Environment
- Developing Life Skills
- And Creating Success Stories every day by moving people and families from homelessness to self sufficiency.
- Over the years, the Rotary Club of Miami has been a generous donor of home goods and meal services to the Chapman program.
Our Building 50/50 Prize Pot
President Phil had the first ticket drawn in today’s raffle. He may be the keeper of the remaining cards, but he could not draw the lucky Ace. He will get $25 toward his EREY for next year – Next week, we are down to 16 cards. and it will grow to almost $1600!
Awards Presentations Next Week – Don’t miss Phil’s last official meeting. He will be presenting awards to those who have served. There will be wine & fun!
Bunny Uriarte led everyone in the 4-Way Test to close another good meeting.
