President Robert Bull welcomed everyone to our April 22^th meeting.  This was our 43^nd meeting of this fiscal year. 

Shirley Pardon gave the invocation. Randy Lichtman led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Today is Earth Day.  I hope you all have done something to help our home, planet Earth.  

This week is also National Park Week, so get out and enjoy. Today is also National Jelly Bean Day.  I understand that President Reagan used to have a bowl of jelly beans in his office.

 

Phi Theta Kappa needs our help with their fundraiser.  They helped us during the “Leading Change in a COVID World” that was virtually help in the fall.  Now they need our help, so please step us a buy an entertainment card for just $20 that will offer you substantial discounts at different locations.

 

Past President Roger A. Wingerter passed away on April 7.  Many probably did not know, but his contributions will be enduring.

 

Renew Your Membership:  An email on this topic went out.  Our dues are very reasonable just $200/year.  Please pay by June 15^th to avoid a $20 late fee.  If you pay by credit card or PayPal, the total is $204 to cover the service fees.  Please get this done soonest.  We do not want to chase after stragglers.

 

 

ENDPLASTICSOUP: Our clubs has become a supporting Club member of ENDPLASTICSOUP. I hope you all remember Ms. Wendela Sandman. We are proud to cooperate with them as we address the Seventh Area of Focus; Supporting the Environment.

 

Earth Day Photos: Several members of the Club sent in photos of their Earth Day activities.  These included: Karen Lapekas, Marcos Menendez, Diane Landsberg, Hugo Montaudon, Miguel Divantoque, Alberto Diaz, Ana Mierisch, Frank Voytek, Norys Figuera, Stephanie Bull, Dunia Miranda, Robert Bull, Amelia Bonilla and Steve Dutton.  The Picker Wheel chose as the winners: Hugo Montaudon and Dunia Miranda.

 

Keynote Speaker:  Robert Bull introduced our keynote speaker, Dr. Neil Hammerschlag who is an environmental researcher at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science.  Dr, Hammerschlag was an amazing presentation about Sharks.  After the Q&A period, Robert Bull presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation.

 

Million Dollar Dinner: The District held the Million Dollar Dinner at Coconut Grove.  We club showed a strong attendance.  The following were there: Norby and Maria Rudel, Noreen Timoney, Jay and Mara Almeida, Cathy Cahill, Dunia Miranda, and Robin and Susie Shelley.  It was a wonderful evening recognizing all of the donors within the District toward the Rotary Foundation.

 

Virtual Banner Exchange: We had a virtual banner exchange with the Trenton, MI Rotary Club and Bill Jasman told us about his Club.

 

Miami Rescue Mission: Last week the Miami Rescue Mission held a Thanks for Volunteering event.  As usual, they sent us a thank you and photos.

 

The Irish Soldiers of Mexico:  We have received many requests about the title of the book of our past speaker, Dr. Michael Hogan.  Its The Irish Soldiers of Mexico and may be bought through Amazon.

 

Cinco de Mayo Party on the Sixth of May: We were reminded of the upcoming in-person Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour on the Sixth of May (May 6^th) starting at 6:30 PM.  CDC guidelines will be followed: covering and social distancing MUST be followed.  There is a pre-payment requirement of $20/person.  A ticket for one adult drink will be provided and ample amount of Mexican hors d’oeuvres (appetizer/snacks). Reservations are mandatory.  If you do not make a reservation, you will not be able to attend.  The deadline to receive one’s RSVP is April 30^th. 

While this will be an outdoor event at the Miami Yacht Club (we will be under a veranda), attendance will be limited following CDC guidelines.  Once we fill our allocated capacity, future RSVP’s will not be accepted.  Sorry! A ticket for one adult drink will be provided and ample amount of Mexican hors d’oeuvres (appetizer/snacks).

 

Mother’s Day: There will be a raffle for a Mother’s Day basket at the Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour. Tickets are just $1.00, please bring plenty of singles to buy more tickets. Good luck!

 

Happy Dollars:  Happy Dollar donors were: Marcia Brod, Robin & Susie Shelley, Amelia Bonilla, Hugo Montaudon and Phil Seipp.

 

Four Way Test: Amelia Bonilla led us in the Four Way Test to end our meeting.