The Rote – September 23, 2021
Via Zoom
Scribe: Marcia Brod

President Noreen Timoney welcomed everyone to today’s meeting. She reminded those attending of the proper Zoom etiquette:
1. Keep yourself on mute when not speaking;
2. No eating while you are on camera;
3. Please refrain from distracting motions.

Robin Shelley gave a moving invocation reminding us of the many blessings we receive from being members in Rotary. He also encouraged everyone to keep Tim and Sue Ryan in our prayers as they continue to address some of Tim’s serious medical issues.

Steve Dutton led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Diane Landsberg noted that if your Birthday or Rotary anniversary is in September and you do not appear on the following lists – that means you have not included your birthday on your application form…..please reach out to her so you can be acknowledged properly in the future.

Robert Bull reported on the great turnout the Club had at multiple sites with multiple groups at the International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 18^th. He thanked all that attended and shared numerous phots of our participations and others around the world. Plans are in the works to look at possible coral planting projects.

The Club had two main locations for this project and other locations were set up around Miami Dade County and some other South Florida locations. Our Club also had a presence in another location and sponsored the efforts of one other organization.

President Noreen mentioned that the Board has been working on this effort for the past year and will be reaching back out to the UM Rosenstiel School with whom we had initial discussions and plans. We are also looking at the Coral Reef Restoration group …. details on all of this to come. Other environmental service project suggestions are welcome.

Today’s Speaker was introduced by Norys Figuera

• Tiare Fridrich a biologist with the Save the Manatee Club. Tiare grew up on Long Island, New York and knew from an early age that she wanted to be a marine biologist. She is a graduate of the UM. Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

• Her presentation was detailed, informative and very interesting. The manatee, also known as a Sea Cow, currently has a population of approximately 10,000. It has no natural predators but is threated primarily by watercraft collisions.

• The manatee is an herbivore, and their food source is also being threatened by pollutants in the water killing off their main food supply – sea grass.

• If you see a tagged, injured or dead manatee be sure to call the Florida Wildlife Commission at 1-888-404-3922.

• Help the manatee by donating to any of several manatee protection organizations, assist with manatee sightings, join the Save the Manatee Cub. If you live on a canal, it is also helpful if you keep the natural vegetation along the banks to serve as a source of food for the manatees.

President Noreen shared some inspirational quotes about the environment.

Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ were all contributed to Tiare Fridrich’s Save the Manatee Club and made in appreciation
for her wonderful presentation today.

Those Happy $$$$$$$$ came from: Robin and Susie Shelley, Noreen Timoney, Scott Richey, Steve Dutton, Angela Deggs, Diane Landsberg, Robert Bull, John Fulton, Norys Figuera, Bunny Uriarte and Noreen’s friend and guest to our meeting, Janet Knox. Thank you to all for being so generous!!!

President Noreen thanked all members and guests and everyone who helped out with another successful meeting that was closed out with Scott Richey leading everyone in the Four Way Test of the Things We Think, Say and Do.

After the official close of the meeting, Tiare Fridrich stayed on Zoom to answer any additional questions.