The Club’s 98th president, Diane Landsberg, took the podium for her last official meeting as club President.
Jair Almeida took time to remember long time Rotary Club Member Joachim de Posada, who lost his battle with cancer recently. Joachim was fluent in English and Spanish with a Doctorate in Psychology to boot, He engaged, entertained, educated and enthralled audiences in over 60 nations. Joachim was declared the Most Distinguished Hispanic Speaker by the Latino Speakers Bureau in 2007, recognized as one of America's 25 Hot Speakers by the National Speakers Association in 2009, and his presentation at TED U has been viewed over one million times! The Rotary Club of Miami Rotarian observed his passing with a moment of silence. Joachim will be missed.
Linda Singer led everyone in the pledge.
Visitors and Guests were introduced by Robert Bull
Joe Roth, Rotary 6990 District Governor
Maria Kesti, Rotary 6990 Assistant District Governor
Joe Wolfe, a visiting Rotarian from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Chuck Cressman, a guest and Phil Seipp’s boss, is the “C” in R & C Management Company.
Emerson Perez, teacher and student advisor to the Miami Senior High Interact Club
Jeannette Borg, advisor for the Doctor’s Charter School Interact Club
Andre Gainey, teacher and advisor to the Young Men’s Preparatory School Interact Club
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Diane Landsberg was happy to be returning to life as just a Rotary Club of Miami member. This was her last meeting as club president.
Kathy Cahill was grateful for the Paul Harris Fellow she received and shared her feelings about how important being a Rotary Club of Miami member has become to her.
Noreen Timoney was happy to be able to join the club today and looking forward to her membership. She was also thrilled to report that the Miami Women’s Club had reached an agreement that will renovate the building and return it to an active community center once again.
Linda Singer was happy to see the Rotary 2014-15 year end on such a positive note.
Phil Seipp said that the year may be ending, but his term as treasurer will carry on another year.
Marcia Brod shared the latest TBM Alumni newsletter with the membership. She is looking forward to more contributions coming to the Trust as a result.
Cory Gittner said thank you in two syllables: Di-ane
Announcements
Treasurer’s Report: Phil Seipp reported on the club’s finances for the Rotary year 2014-15. Both the Club and our Foundation are both in excellent shape financially.
Kathy Cahill was inducted into the Club in February. She shared that this event has truly changed her life. She thanked Phil Seipp and his sidekick, Franklin, for getting to know each other and then making the connection to Rotary. Phil was presented with his sponsor pin.
Dave Anderson welcomed Bruce Frazey back into the Club. We are so glad to have you back as a member, Bruce!
Jair Almeida had the distinct honor of inducting two new members into the Club. Welcome wishes go out to Noreen Timoney and Curt DeGreff….what a great way to transition from one Rotary year to another with two new members becoming Rotarians!
Awards and Recognition
Today was the day to honor those who have helped make Diane’s year as Rotary Club of Miami president a success. Jair helped while the following folks were recognized and honored:
Rotary District 6990 for their assistance: Maria Kesti Assistant District Governor and Joe Roth District Governor.
Joe Roth, in turn, recognized the club with the Rotary Presidential Citation (only 16 clubs out of 49 in the district were recipients) and also the Public Image Citation for Zone 34. Citations were also made to the FIU Rotaract Club and Miami Senior High Interact club.
Rotary Club of Miami Board of Directors for their service: Jay Almeida, Dave Anderson, Robert Bull, Randy Litchman, Marcos Menendez, Renel Noel, Shirley Pardon, Scott Richey, Oliver Ruiz, HumbertoRivera, Phil Seipp.
Not Present – but recognized were Tim Ryan, Norby Rudel, Robin and Susan Shelley
Additional members recognized for their continuing support of club activities in so many ways: Juan Torres, Marcia Brod, Cathy Cahill, Linda Singer,Cory Gittner and Norman Kassoff
Interact Advisors were acknowledged for their commitment and effort supporting the clubs in their schools: Jeannette Borg-Luque - Doctor’s Charter School, Emerson Perez – Miami Senior High, and Andre Gainey – Young Men’s Preparatory School
Diane recognized several folks who were essential during her Rotary presidential year: Norm Kassoff, Dave Anderson and Jay Almeida.
Phil Seipp announced four more individuals are being added to the Thomas Brown McClelland Society: #5 – Linda Singer as Co-Trustee; #6 – Marcia Brod as TBM Alumni Coordinator; #7 Ann de las Pozas for her work with the McCelland Trust; and #8 – Gary Sisler for his tireless work during interview time.
Diane was proud to announce this year’s Rotarian of the Year. He has served in so many capacities this year that include being Treasure and Co-Chair of the Thomas Brown McClelland Trust. His long time membership and dedication to service made him an easy selection. Congratulation to the Rotarian of the Year 2014-15 PHIL SEIPP!
Diane graciously accepted a plaque honoring her for her outstanding service, dedication and hard work in 2014-15. In addition, she added come final comments on the productive Rotary year just ending and how so many people made it a success.
