The Rote – August 4, 2022
Miami Yacht Club and on Zoom
Scribe: Eileen Carpenter

Immediate Past President Noreen Timoney, filling in for the vacationing President Brian Tschirhart, rang the bell at 12:37 and welcomed everyone to today’s meeting.

 

Jay Almeida gave a wonderful invocation and introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.

Cory Gittner led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag and our country.

Noreen shared that we continue to stand with Ukraine. Offering thoughts and prayers to our fellow Rotarians in Ukraine and to the people in Ukraine. Noreen mentioned the 5-minute+ standing ovation given at the Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas in June for the Rotarians present from that country.

 

 

CELEBRATING OUR MEMBER BIRTHDAYS

 

We wish everyone a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 

Noreen highlighted the many areas of service that the Club has for our volunteerism and that we are continuing our efforts in our different projects, including our Little Free Library project that we started last year, and in the many environmental projects like Beach Clean ups, etc. started under the direction of Robert Bull, and the regular service initiatives under Dave Skinner. She thanked everyone for all the great service work our Club does to help our community and the world.

Fellowship is an important part of Rotary. Seven of our Rotarians shared a wonderful evening of networking and fellowship with the World Affairs Council.

 

The District is excited about Miami Rotary leading the way for environmental tasks and is starting a District-wide environmental effort with our own Robert Bull leading the way.

 

Alpha Generator Investment Club Beating the Market. Meetings, led by Robert Bull, are held on Zoom.

 

Steve Dutton Introduced our Keynote Speaker Taylor Majher. They met at Salsa dancing class. Taylor is a Regional Recruiter for the Peace Corps. She talked about her experience in Guatemala. The transition and the host families. How she got immersed in Guatemalan culture and learning the language. She worked through the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Health Clinic and through sports to connect with people. Taylor talked about the Mission of the peace Corps. And the specific programs. How the Rotary and Peace Corps. areas of focus align. That is what makes it a great partnership.

Her talk was very interesting as was evidenced by the many questions from those in attendance.

 

Next Meeting, August 11, will be on Zoom: We will learn how to live in Miami if sea level rises. CEO/COO of Water Rise will be our guest speaker. Be sure to zoom in – sea level rise will affect us all.

 

Join our fellow Rotarians by signing up for a November 4^th District Cruise to Bahamas. Lots of learning and fun is on the agenda. Get to know other members of Clubs in our District 6990 and share ideas.

 

The 50/50 drawing of Publix gift cards today landed in the lucky hands of Norby and Maria Rudel, Shirley Pardon, and Angela Deggs.

• Norby Rudel: Last garage sale.

• Robin Shelley was honored by District 6990 for his service. He also led a moment of remembrance for those District 6990 Rotarians that has passed away during the last year, include our own Tim Ryan and Renel Noel. They are missed!!

• Linda Singer: Recovered from COVID. Loved the speaker because it was like a travelogue when Linda went to Guatemala.

• Marcia Brod: Admired the speaker’s efforts and courage to participate in the Peace Corps. They can give you a guidebook and training, but that’s out the window when real stuff happens. She also mentioned that saving “old” stuff does not always mean it will increase in value. A box of postage stamps saved by her father – are worth just face value after 60 years.

• Noreen Timoney: Nice to see everyone at the meeting and on Zoom, including President Brian lounging in the shade on vacation.

• Phil Seipp: Went to the White Coat Ceremony at FIU. Put a note and $100 in the pockets of the students. $800 in all donated by several of our Club members. Students were very surprised and delighted when they reached in their pockets.

 

Four Way Test: Robin Shelley led.

 

We played the RI Imagine video and a You-Tube vocal rendition of the four-way test. President Noreen thanked everyone for attending in-person and online and wished everyone a great ROTARY Day!