President Brian Tschirhart rang to bell to begin his first meeting as Club President. Jay Almeida gave an invocation and Cory Gittner led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

presented by Club Historian Norman Kassoff:
The Rotary Club of Miami roots were founded in early Miami history with Dr. James Jackson and also Julia Tuttle. Along with many other of the City’s founders, they both thought that to be a major city, Miami had to have major institutions to support the community. One of the first organizations founded was the YMCA. Dr. Jackson supported creation of their 3 story structure and also brought the Rotary Club of Miami to fruition.

Guests and Visitors were introduced by Steve Dutton

Maria Lalama is a TBM Scholarship recipient. She joined us today to receive her TBM lapel pin and stethoscope. Those helping in the presentation were Phil Seipp, Diane Landsberg, Robin and Susan Shelley and Cathy Cahill.

Selene Ulloa is the new president of the MDC Rotaract Club and is doing a great job organizing the group in anticipation of the upcoming school year.

 

Next meeting July 21st will be Live at the Miami Yacht Club: Presentation of the 4 Way Test Essay Awards and Brief Visit with DG Michael Kesti.

July 28th Social TBA: check your emails!!

Brian thanked all the members of the board. At a recent board meeting it was decided that for the time being our meeting schedule would be 2 in-person, 1 zoom meeting and 1 social event each month. Zoom capability will be provided for each of the in-person meetings.

Brian thanked Phil Seipp and Diane Landsberg for their valuable and continued contributions to the Club.

 

Avenue of Service Chair Reports were provided:

Diane Landsberg reported that Robert Bull, as chair of the Club Environmental Committee, will be having at least 10 projects in the community this year.

Norby Rudel, Membership Chair, considers every Rotary Club of Miami member a part of his committee. A new program will be presented later in July that hopes to create more members and greater awareness of the Club in the community. Maribel Reyes is co-chair of this committee.

Diane Landsberg spoke of the work done by Amelia Bonilla as Youth Services Chair – working with the Miami High Interact Club (65 years old) and the Rotaract Clubs. A co-chair is needed for this committee.

Steve Dutton will handle speakers this year and encourages each member to provide him names of folks that would be good potential speakers. A co-chair is needed.

Jay Almeida is chair of the Public/Social Image Committee. We all are asked to help promote Rotary in the Community and spread the word.

Other Board members were acknowledged Oliver Ruiz, Cathy Cahill and Noreen Timoney.

 

On other matters:

Marcia Brod is the organizer of the Scribe of Tribes. They record each meeting and put together the weekly Rote. It is an easy and important way to volunteer to help the Club, so if you are interested please contact Marcia to express your interest in becoming a tribe member.

Marcos Menendez was thanked for his weekly texting of meeting notices and events.

Dave Skinner was thanked for his many contributions in club notifications among other things.

Help is also needed at the beginning and end of the meeting to set up and break down the meeting.

Cathy Cahill was presented with her 5 sapphire Paul Harris pin.

 

Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Jan Figa:

Diane Landsberg spent a wonderful day at her home with Jay Almeida, Norm Kassoff and Brian Tschirhart – what a great group of folks! That will certainly make you happy.

Robin and Susan Shelley were thrilled to hear Norm’s Club history report. Robin shared that the City’s founding fathers thought that it was vital to have good organizations to be a great city. That helped lead to the Club, YMCA, Miami Lighthouse, University of Miami – all were interconnected in the beginnings of the City of Miami.

Randy Lichtman gave an additional happy shout out to Selene Ulloa for stepping up and taking the lead with the Miami Dade College Rotaract Club. They will be doing some great things this year.

Steve Dutton is off this week on a cruise with Richard Branson and Virgin Cruises. It’s Richard Branson’s birthday! Steve hopes to pass along to Branson the virtues of Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Miami.

Brian Tschirhart was happy to see everyone today and get his first meeting under his belt.

 

First winner of the first draw this Rotary year was Phil Seipp. The pot will carry over to next week since he did not pick the ace of spades.

Four Way Test was led by Jan Figa to bring the meeting to a close.

President’s Post Meeting Musings

I survived presiding at my first Rotary meeting as President last week. Afterwards a number of past Presidents gave me some positive feedback, constructive guidance and helpful tips. I promise to work hard to get better each week.

The first official meeting of the new Rotary year is a Club Assembly. It is when we have the various Chairs preview plans for the year and can be exciting or routine; therefore, I understand why this first meeting is difficult as a new president “gets their act together.” Fortunately, I’m blessed with an outstanding team who each bring great energy to the club. Clearly this is going to be a great year with a strong desire to move forward with increasing our number and quality by having engaging activities and events. What gives me great hope for doing my part better is having so many past presidents providing advice, encouragement, and love. A great big thank you to all.

It was particularly exciting to have present two young guests representing Rotaract clubs. Be sure to take time this year to get to know them and get involved with mentoring and demonstrating the values of Rotary. Imagine the great impact on all the young people we can have! This next meeting we will host the Interact Four Way Test Essay Award recipients, so It’s even more important that each member be present. Let each one of us commit to be better members by spreading the word about Rotary and then inviting someone to join us in this great club!

YIRS
Brian