The Rote – April 12, 2018
The Miami Yacht Club
President Phil Seipp opened the meeting and welcomed all those in attendance. Robin Shelley gave an invocation and Angel Rodriguez led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Guests and Visitors were introduced by Dave Anderson
- John Brears is the Director of Minage Development and a visiting Rotarian from Donwu, Australia;
- Joan Brears is also with Minage Development and is a member of Inner Wheels, a Rotary partner’s organization in Australia.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Cory Gittner
- Angel Rodriguez was happy about the successful fundraiser at Mercedes Benz in Coral Gables for the Military Lounge. He thanked Michael Kesti, the Rotary Club of Miami and the Rotary Club of Coral Gables for their support;
- Renel Noel enjoyed his wonderful evening at the fundraiser at Mercedes and he also enjoyed listening to our own crooner Norby Rudel afterwards at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza;
- Diane Landsberg enjoyed the evening at Anthony’s with her grandsons, who were thrilled to party with Jay Almeida;
- Robin Shelley enjoyed both events as well;
- Jay Almeida visited with Patrick Aliu and his family in Orlando and was proud that both of his daughters continue to compete for the Miss Florida title. He also gave Happy $$$ for Dave Skinner, who is on vacation in Europe where it is 40 degrees;
- Angela Deggs is happy that her daughter will be graduating cum laude next month;
- Phil Seipp was just one happy guy today;
- Cory Gittner is a happy to be back from a 10-day trip to India. It was a breathtaking experience in so many ways;
- Norby Rudel is thrilled to be playing once a month at Anthony’s and appreciates the support of his Rotary friends. He had a record tip collection this week - $39 – (Norby – here’s a tip - don’t quit your day job any time soon).
Announcements
- There will be a board meeting next week, April 19, at 10:30. All are invited to attend;
- Friday, April 20th the club will gather at the UM Baseball field in the Coach’s suite. Food and drinks will be provided;
- Rotary Leadership Institute will be held on April 21;
- There are plans to hold a meeting on Tuesday, April 24 at the Miami Cemetery to honor Dr. James Jackson’s birthday and to learn about our club’s founding fathers who are buried there. Details to follow;
- The District Training Assembly will be held on April 28 at Margaritaville in Hollywood Beach;
- Important reminder – if you are not planning to eat on a day you come to a meeting, please be sure to advise the table treasurer so you will not be charged for that meal. Also, if you are not on a meal plan and plan to eat – be sure to make the proper payment.
Our Speaker was introduced by Shirley Pardon
- Brett Bibeau is the managing director of the Miami River Commission;
- The Commission’s mission is to:
1. To act as the official coordinating clearinghouse for all public policy and projects related to the Miami River
2. To develop coordinated plans, priorities, programs, projects, and budgets that might substantially improve the river area
3. To act as the principal advocate and watchdog to ensure that river projects are funded and implemented in a proper and timely manner
4. To unite all governmental agencies, businesses, and residents in the area on river issues
5. TO SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE FOR THE RIVER.
- Many projects are underway to maintain and encourage the health and growth of the Miami River as an integral part of Miami;
- Development continues and includes many new restaurants and residential projects;
- River Landing will include an eight-story mall with residences above near the Civic Center area;
- Merrill-Stevens historic shipyard invested $30 million in revitalization projects recently;
- The Miami River continues to be a vital part of the Miami scene and the Commission works hard to protect it through its advisory and advocacy efforts.
Our 50/50 drawing reached over $1000 this week thanks to the efforts of Oliver Ruiz & Diane Stieber. Noreen Timoney did not draw the lucky card but will receive $25 toward her EREY. Next week we begin at $1040 and should easily reach over $1100.
Another great meeting came to a close with Diane Stieber leading everyone in the 4-Way Test of the things Rotarian’s Think, Say and Do.
