The Rote – July 20, 2017
The Miami Yacht Club
President Phil Seipp welcomed everyone to the second meeting of this new Rotary year. He reaffirmed how proud he is to serve as Rotary Club of Miami president for 2017-18. Also, wearing his Club Treasurer hat, Phil shared that the Rotary Club of Miami’s Foundation had a $20,000 increase in its investments. That will help make this a very meaningful year in service to others.
Shirley Pardon gave an invocation by sharing thoughtful words written by Maya Angelou. Dave Anderson led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Guests and Visitors were introduced by Arlene Terrinoni:
- Olvin Villatoro, Franco Hernandez, Stephanie Aguilar and Cassandra Cardenas are all 4-Way Test Scholarship recipients from Miami Senior High;
- Gabriel Gutierrez Flor joined us for lunch. He is a visiting Rotarian from the Club Rotario Guayaquil Norte in Ecuador;
- Helen Bermudez is a recipient of a Thomas Brown McClelland Scholarship and will be attending the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Oliver Ruiz interviewed Helen this past year and shared that she is a remarkable young woman. She came to the U.S. at the age of 15 and after a year of ESOL was placed in Honors English and now helps others in the program. Helen mentioned that she was so thankful for the Trust’s financial help and plans to make a difference in the community in the future;
- Carlos Renato Guimaraes is Brazilian attorney and partner in G2 Advisors.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Bunny Uriarte:
- Brian Tschirhart is now a dolphin dental consultant! No, not for the Miami Dolphins football team - he took dental x-rays on an actual aquatic dolphin at Dolphin Plus in Key Largo. Brian brought his whole family (11 grandchildren) down and everyone enjoyed the experience. Hope the dolphin will be flossing in the future!!
- Jay Almeida shared that member Paul Chehade’s mother has passed away after a lengthy illness. Our hearts and prayers to out to Paul and his entire family;
- Shirley Pardon, Diane Landsberg and Noreen Timoney shared their artistic talents?!?! They had gone to Paint with a Twist and had a great time. Perhaps it is something the Club will enjoy doing in the future. Another class could give these ladies new careers!!!
- Robert Bull was glad about the turnout for the Venezuelan plebiscite vote. Over 100,000 Venezuelans voted in the Miami area. He’s disappointed however that the government has dismissed the effort and Robert encourages everyone to write to President Trump to encourage change in Venezuela.
Announcements
- A productive board meeting was held today. Phil reminded everyone that all are invited to attending these meetings.
- Diane Landsberg helped Past President Oliver Ruiz distribute awards of appreciation for service during the past Rotary year to Marcos Menendez, Shirley Pardon and Dave Anderson;
- Thursday, July 27 – There will be a luncheon meeting at the Yacht Club and a social networking gathering of several local clubs greeting the District Governor in the evening at Whiskey Joe’s on Key Biscayne;
- The Board approved a $5,000 donation to End Polio. The check will be given to the District Governor at the event on the 27th.
- Saturday, August 12 – Big Summer Sale of household goods at the home of Diane Landsberg. All proceeds will go to Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY);
- Saturday, October 7 – Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) will take place. Members will be reimbursed for their registration fees if they choose to attend;
- Phil gave an educational talk on the Rotary International Foundation, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. A notable quote he shared was from Paulo Costa, 1990-91 President of Rotary International. "Rotary International's masterpiece is The Rotary Foundation. It transforms our dreams into splendid realities ... it is the most generous expression of Rotarian generosity -- a generosity that not only brings benefits but also brings help and cooperation to solve the problems that affect mankind. The Rotary Foundation achieves the best that mankind can possibly achieve."
- Diane presented Phil with a commemorative Rotary Foundation coin;
- Diane presented Oliver Ruiz with his past president’s pin.
New Member Induction
Robin Shelley had the honor of inducting a new member into the Club today. Maria Socarras is a Development Officer at the University of Miami and joins the club as a result of the University of Miami’s Gold Sponsorship of our 100th Anniversary Gala.
Program
Emerson Perez, the Miami High Interact Club Advisor and Honorary Rotary Club of Miami member, was proud to introduce four winners of this year’s 4-Way Test Essay Contest. The scholarship funds given to the students are a result of a generous donation from John and Grace DeLury that funded the Wm. R. Robbins Jr. Interact Scholarship Fund at Miami Senior High School.
Four students shared their winning essays. Olvin Villatoro was the first place winner and also happened to be the President of the Interact Club (essays were judged without knowing the names of those submitting them). Olvin will be heading to the University of Pennsylvania this fall and is thankful for the financial assistance.
Other recipients also read their essays: Franco Hernandez will be attending Florida State University; Stephanie Aguilar and Cassandra Cardenas will be attending FIU. It is amazing to listen to their thoughts on the 4-Way Test and how it can make a difference at their school, in the community, the nation and the world. They all plan to live by the 4-Way Test and share it with others. Our best wishes go out to them and their very proud families!!!
Linda Singer led everyone in the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think Say or Do.
