Special Issue of The Rote for June 25, 2022

The 106th Presidents event was fabulous and if you weren’t there, you missed out on this historical evening.

Upon arrival everyone was greeted by our Treasurer, Phil.  He efficiently collected payments and gave table assignments.  Many assisted in setting up, but a special expression of gratitude goes to Kathy Tschirhart, Clara Area, Elaine Longueira and  Maria Rudel. Norby was the perfect emcee throughout the evening and kept the program flowing with his special humor. Robin Shelley presented Paul Harris Society pins to several deserving members, Noreen Timoney, Phil Seipp, Jay Almeida, Diane Landsberg, and to Robert Bull & Cathy Cahill (both not present) and Norm Kassoff launched our newest program. Of course, Jay Almeida recorded everything on video and photographs to preserve forever and share.

 

The Rotary Club of Miami was most fortunate to have as its founder & first President, Dr. James Jackson. Over the past 105 years, many good people have carried on that important leadership & management position. To recognize their service and devotion to Miami Rotary, we have created the Dr. James Jackson Society. Tonight, we proudly inducted all of the still active past presidents into this honorable group.

Arthur Bivens 1979-80 – Arthur was the first son of a former president to be elected to this office. He also served a stint as the Club Executive Secretary. He continues with us as an Honorary Member.

Robert Decker 1992-93 – Bob was also raised in a Rotary family, his father & brother were Miami Rotarians. Bob is also an Honorary Member & has been a generous donor to our Miami Rotary Foundation.

Robin Shelley 1996-97 – I don’t think we can say enough about Robin. Following in the footsteps of many great Miami Rotarians, he continued his Rotary service as District Governor in 2001-2002. Robin & Susan are also generous Arch Klumph Society donors.

Norm Kassoff 2000-01 – I also can’t say enough about this guy!

Jay Almeida 2005-06 – As we get closer to current days, Jay led us on a membership drive during his year that has not been equaled since. He still records our history on digital media. He is also a long-time Board Member.

Cory Gittner 2008-09 – Cory steered the Club successfully during his year in the hot seat! He has served on the Board many times & has been a devoted TBM interviewer.

Linda Singer 2011-12 – Linda was our 4th female president and took us through a turbulent venue change year when the Rusty Pelican remodeled.

David Anderson 2012-13 – Dave was also a product of a Rotary family, his father having also been a Rotary Club President & a District Governor. Dave worked extremely hard during his year to get us to 100% Paul Harris Fellow status.

Scott Richey 2013-14 – Scott followed another former President, Paul Williams in representing Northern Trust in Miami Rotary. Scott also has been a long-time Board Member & TBM interviewer.

Diane Landsberg 2014-15 – Diane also had a tough year with venue changes and some internal issues which thankfully were resolved. Her year as President ended in June of 2015, but technically, she has never left office. She works tirelessly to arrange our meetings, parties & social events. She is the backbone of this Club. She is a driving force in our TBM Trust and was also very instrumental in the creation of this Society.

Tim Ryan 2015-16 – While Tim recently left us, we will always be grateful for his year as President. He graciously took office when another member could not fulfill the position. His was a fun year, and he is missed!

Oliver Ruiz 2016-17 – The job of serving as the 100th President fell on the Oliver’s shoulders. His year was occupied with the supervision of the planning & execution of our wonderful 100th Anniversary Gala. Great time!

Phil Seipp 2017-18 – After all of that Gala work, Phil came along with his slogan, “Let’s just have fun in 101!” And, I think we did. Phil has been a great Treasurer and has been a TBM Trustee with Diane Landsberg.

Dave Skinner 2018-19 – Dave has the distinction in our Club of being the first spouse of a Past President to hold the office. Retiring just in time, Dave led us through another good year. He continues to work hard for Miami Rotary.

Norby Rudel 2019-20 – Norby brought his unique, enthusiastic style to the Club during his year. We had good times & added quite few members despite the onset of Covid-19.

Robert Bull 2020-21 – Robert had set the bar extremely high with his efforts in Community Service. His year was beset by Covid-19, but Robert still led us on Zoom meetings, even at times from the other side of the world. His creation of ESMAG, our own Miami environmental action group and his efforts with tree planting and coral reef restoration will serve as records of his successful year.

Noreen Timoney 2021-22 – After serving at the helm of the Miami Women’s Club for some years, Noreen took over last July as our 6 female President. Her year saw a slow transition back to in-person events. As her year ends, she becomes our latest Dr. James Jackson Society inductee.

 

As Dr. Brian Tschirhart will soon realize, being President of the Rotary Club of Miami makes one part of a very special group. I would encourage our newer, younger members to start getting active in the affairs of this wonderful Club. Then, get on the Board & serve. And then, there is no telling what the future could hold for you too! But, it all starts with “Service above Self”

Thank you & let’s take a quick picture for posterity.

Brian was Tschirhart was installed as our 106th President with his many, adorable grandchildren, one said “Papa is so important and is now the Mayor. Our PBA host Joe Longuerira also gave the children a private tour of the Police Museum, who loved sitting in the antique police cars. Best wishers to Brian and a successful year. We are all here to support you!