The Rote – June 14, 2018
The Miami Police Benevolent Association Hall
President Phil Seipp called the 102nd Presidential Installation Dinner meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Jay Almeida gave an invocation and Norby Rudel led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.
Some 60 Miami Rotarians and guests turned out at the end of a rainy day. Special guests included a trio of Rotary District 6990 leaders who came to pay their respects & enjoy a Miami Rotary party. It is always great to see District Governor Alan Cohn, Incoming District Governor Drew Monaghan and District Governor-Elect Ray Williams! It was also great to have our most recent Honorary Rotarian, Dr. Paul George with us.
Phil Seipp made a few remarks to recap what has been an outstanding 101st year of Club giving and membership growth. He was then presented with a special cake decorated to commemorate his 40 years of membership. We then broke for a great buffet dinner catered by We’re Having a Party.
Past District Governor Robin Shelley then took the podium to officially induct Dave Skinner as the 102nd President of the Rotary Club of Miami. Dave now joins a list of prominent Miamians that begins with our founder, Dr. James Jackson. Other notable early Miami pioneers followed, Frank B. Shutts, Frank B. Stoneman (father of Marjorie) and Rodney Burdine. Our President of 1953-54, William R. Robbins, even went on to serve as President of Rotary International in 1974.
Dave Skinner is a retired I.T. Administrator who only joined Miami Rotary officially in 2015. However, he has been connected to Rotary for many years through marriage to Linda Singer who was President in 2011-12. Dave’s record of outstanding service in his brief years of membership points to another successful year for the Rotary Club of Miami.
Dave addressed the attentive gathering and outlined his vision and goals for the coming year. After presentation of his new President’s gold badge, we celebrated with a champagne toast to year 102.
On Friday, June 15, 2018, some 26 Miami Rotarians and spouses gathered at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Coral Gables to celebrate the life of Leonard Pardon, husband of Shirley Pardon. A talented artist in many mediums, Leonard passed away suddenly on May 25th while on holiday in England. One of our newer members, Leonard greatly enjoyed the camaraderie at our social events. While being our program speaker once, he amazed the Club with the creation of fabulous wood grain and marble simulations in the short time allotted with his faux painting skills. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Shirley in this difficult time. Our Foundation made a donation to Our Little Roses Orphanage in his honor.
On Saturday, June 16, 2018, incoming President Dave Skinner, wife Linda Singer and Diane Landsberg attended the Installation Dinner of District Governor Drew Monaghan in Ft. Lauderdale. During the program, Dave Skinner was also inducted “officially” by District with 15 other Club Presidents.
New Club Presidents are installed at Drew Monaghan’s installation as 6990 District Governor
This Thursday, 6/21, we return to the Miami Yacht Club for our regular weekly lunch meeting.
