The Rote – October 19, 2017
The Miami Yacht Club
President Phil Seipp called the meeting to order. Jay Almeida gave an invocation, with an acknowledgement of Renel Noel, Dave Skinner, Rick Miller and Norby Rudel, who are all helping out in Haiti this past week. Angel Rodriguez led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Visitors and Guests were introduced by Oliver Ruiz:
- Caroline Neves hails from Brazil and is with Executive Digital. She is a prospective member;
- Wendy Bourgault is Executive Director of Our Little Roses FMS;
- Bishop Leo Frade is also with the Our Little Roses organization;
- Meera Nagarsheth and Brittany Hedgepeth are both aspiring physicians at the UM Medical School. They were at the meeting representing the DOCS program.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Claudia Gallego:
- Randy Lichtman was happy that the Rotaract Club was helping to package supplies to be sent to Puerto Rico. He also thanked Diane Landsberg for hosting the MDC Rotaract pinning ceremony next week;
- Jay Almeida thanked Diane for getting Interact students to help the Second Chance Foundation. He also added a special happy birthday wish to his wife, Mara;
- Robert Bull was thankful for the staff at South Miami Hospital and the excellent care given his wife, Stephanie, during a recent medical situation. He was glad to report she is home and doing well;
- Linda Singer thanked Marcia Brod for inviting her to a play at GableStage. She is also looking forward to husband Dave returning from Haiti;
- Marcia Brod reported on a wonderful vacation in the DC/NJ/PA area. She also shared that she and husband Lenny lunched with Ted and Lucia Eldredge. They are settling into their life away from Miami;
- Noreen Timoney was happy to be with friends and also thanked Robert Bull for his insurance advice;
- Diane Landsberg was looking forward to the MDC Rotaract Pinning Ceremony on Sunday, October 29 at 3pm. A signup sheet was being passed around. She also shared that the Club’s Foundation donated $2,000 to create the first Girl Scout Troup in Overtown. There are 15 girls of all ages who are now able to take part;
- Claudia Gallego was happy to be at the meeting and was looking forward to returning to her, hopefully, finished remodeled kitchen this afternoon.
Announcements:
- President Phil reported that the club now has 50 members. He is looking forward to a continued increase as the calendar year comes to an end;
- There will be an evening meeting on November 9 at the U.S. Armed Forces Center at Miami International Airport. Details will follow;
- The Foundation Board received a positive report from Northern Trust indicating a $15,000 increase in funds over the last quarter;
- The social at Seasons 52 was a success, even though the weather was not ideal;
- The Foundation Board approved a $1,000 donation to the DOCS program. Phil presented our two DOCS visitors with the check. It will be used to purchase holiday toys for children using the Liberty City Clinic on December 9.
Member Focus – Linda Singer - Member Since: March 1, 1990
Why did you join Rotary?
I had been involved in being of service to the community on my own for some time. I was invited to join by my sponsor, William McB. Wood, an attorney with whom I collaborated, came to a few meetings, and decided that I could be even more effective in providing service when united with others. I also saw that there could be greater networking opportunities; and through the weekly speakers, I would gain a deeper understanding of our community and world. Also, when I was president of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, I advocated that women lawyers should join organizations in which there are men to be able to have greater influence and more leadership opportunities.
Rotary Positions Held:
Director, Secretary, Vice-president/ President-elect, and President. Thomas Brown McClelland co-trustee. Director and Vice-president of The Rotary Club of Miami Foundation.
Recognition & Awards:
Rotarian of the Year 2007-2008 for the Rotary Club of Miami; Multiple Paul Harris Fellow; Bequest Society Member of Rotary International; Thomas Brown McClelland Society member.
Personal:
Family: Husband, William David Skinner. Step-children: Joni Stuart (whose husband is Bo Stuart) and Neil Skinner (whose wife is Lauren Job Skinner). Step-grandchildren: Hunter Stuart and Summer Stuart.
Education:
Miami Beach Senior High School, University of Florida - A.A., University of Miami - B.A. in psychology and sociology and J.D. in law.
Professional:
Occupation / Position: Lawyer. At this time, I am chiefly handling probate law and will and advance directive preparation. I am a sole practitioner.
One thing you didn’t know about me:
Instead of giving birth to children, I gave birth to and fostered organizations that were helping women in the professions succeed. I formed the Dade County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers just as I was about to become president of the state Florida Association for Women Lawyers. I facilitated the formation of many more chapters throughout the state. I also was a cofounder of the organization now known as CREW, for commercial real estate women.
Our Speaker was introduced by Shirley Pardon
- Diana Frade is founder and president of Our Little Roses Foreign Mission Society. After visiting a home for abandoned boys in Honduras many years ago, she asked “What happens to the girls who are in similar situations?” After discovering that there really were no options for girls, she set out to provide an answer.
- She began in a 3-bedroom rented home on the outskirts of San Pedro Sula. After nearly 30 years, the facility, much expanded, is now home to over 60 girls of all ages.
- In Honduras, the poorest country in Central America, there are five problems that stand out for the citizens and especially children – no housing, lack of potable water, improper diet, no medical care and a lack of education. The girls that come to Our Little Roses are provided with all of these and the opportunity to expand their vision of life.
- By working on helping one girl at a time – their successes are numerous. Girls have gone on to Universities and many have come back to work in their community to help others.
- One of Diana’s favorite quotes is an African proverb: “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate an entire family.”
- She recommended a documentary film of their efforts entitled “Voices Beyond the Wall” and a book – Counting Days like People Count Stars.
- Diana Frade has truly made her life about service above self. Her presentation and work left a lasting impression on us all.
Robert Bull led everyone in the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say or Do.
