The Rote – May 3, 2018
The Miami Yacht Club
President Phil Seipp welcomed everyone to the first Rotary meeting in the merry month of May!
Today is National Prayer Day and Jay Almeida did his part by leading us with an invocation. Angela Deggs led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Guests and Visitors were introduced by Arlene Terrinoni:
- Erika Peretra is a Partner in Stellen Holdings, an import/export firm. She is from Brazil;
- Sergio Ramires von Helle, guest of Patrick Aliu is owner of Empanazzio, a restaurant on Brickell;
- Luis Machuca was visiting the club again with members Patrick and Virgilie Aliu;
- Ronald Gerstl, a former member, was visiting as a Coral Gables Rotary Club member.
Announcements:
- The 50/50 pot starts the day off at $1,123. Get your tickets quickly;
- The District Assembly at Margaritaville in Hollywood was educational and also a lot of fun. Our club was well represented;
- Last week’s meeting held at the historic Miami Cemetery was very successful and a nice way to celebrate our founding father Dr. James Jackson’s life and contribution to the Club. Club leaders plan to make this celebration an annual event;
- The Rotary year-end of June 30 is fast approaching, but there is still plenty of time to add new members, so keep that in mind;
- Angela Deggs brought the final Wells Fargo resignation agreement for signatures so that our Thomas Brown McClelland Trust can be transferred to Northern Trust. Those present watched this historic event as Co-Trustees Diane Landsberg & Phil Seipp signed the agreement along with Robert Bull for the Board. It was the efforts of these three that finally accomplished what had always been thought of as a near impossible feat. We now look forward to a new chapter of TBM growth and advancement.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Jaime Tobin:
- Dave Skinner was looking forward to his third anniversary on May 7 as a member of the Rotary Club of Miami;
- Scott Richey invited everyone to a Miami Lighthouse for the Blind fundraiser “Music Under the Stars”. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 16 from 6:30-9:30 at the Lighthouse. Scott also shared that he and Karla are heading to the Turks and Caicos for a mini vacation;
- Diane Landsberg had a wonderful weekend with grandchildren. She discovered that threatening and bribery are workable tactics sometimes;
- Tim Ryan was happy to be home after a month of traveling. He had Rotary banners from several Clubs in South Korea. He was given an Ambassador of Peace Award to pass onto an uncle who served during the Korean War;
- Jay Almeida was happy to see Patrick Aliu at today’s meeting and will also be heading to Gainesville to see his younger daughter graduate;
- Angela Deggs was happy that her daughter was graduating from college with honors with a degree in product design. One of her product designs might even become a reality – how exciting!
- Linda Singer had a wonderful trip to Europe but was glad to be home;
- Ronald Gerstl was happy to see his Rotary Club of Miami friends;
- Virgilie Aliu was happy to be back at the meeting and is hoping that her company will soon be adding another concession or two at Miami International Airport;
- Jaime Tobin is sad to be missing Rotary meetings in the future, but looking forward to two months of traveling with her family.
Today’s Member Focus – ROBERT BULL
How long have you been a member? Robert joined the club in 2002.
Why did you join? Robert was invited by two friends from Venezuela – Ronald Gerstl and Manuel Sosa. At that time, the club met at the Rusty Pelican and there were 200 participants each week.
Rotary Positions held? Robert has been on the Board for a few years and has held the position of International Chair. He has assisted with the TBM Fund Management as well.
Recognition and Awards? He was awarded the “Above and Beyond” recognition by then president, Linda Singer. He prepared a Strategic Plan for the club. His favorite recognition was to be called one of Diane Landsberg’s boys during her term as president.
Personal information: Robert was born and raised in Venezuela. He is married to Stephanie and has four children. He graduated from the University of Miami with a BBA and an MBA. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Mu (SAMMY) and as social chairman he organized events at the Miami Yacht Club.
Professional information: Robert is a financial representative helping people with retirement plans, insurance, investments, long-term care and annuities. He also teaches at Miami Dade College and the University of Miami.
Something we didn’t know: Robert’s parents, when he was a 16, disappeared in his father’s airplane and were never to be found again. After the search was abandoned, he was alone, hungry and lost. Eventually a Dutch family took him in and the rest is history….Robert – you’ve come a long way!!!!
Today’s Club Assembly:
- We started off by reviewing the longevity of our club members. The last members standing were Brian Tschirhart who joined the Club in August of 1979 and Phil Seipp who joined in July of 1978. To bad Don Van Orsdel wasn’t present; he joined in January of 1978!
- Today’s session is to get feedback from members on what the club is and has been doing. Also, it’s a chance to hear what club members hope will be part of the club’s future.
- What’s working and what have you enjoyed about Miami Rotary? Social events, member growth, commitment and loyalty, diversity, history, the Red Badge program;
- New members – what has attracted you and how do we retain new members to the club? Angel Rodriguez found the members very welcoming. Jaime Tobin enjoyed the one-on-one meetings to learn about the club. Diane Landsberg liked the club’s diversity. Virgilie Aliu was thrilled to get into organizing a service project and receiving so much support;
- Service Projects: Work closer with Interact and go to their service projects. Peace Conference at Miami-Dade College in September. Girl Scout Troop involvement. Helping the homeless. Service projects once a month. Marcos Menendez reminded everyone that as a club member you are empowered to find your own passion, create a project and get everyone involved. Patrick Aliu spoke about the work he has done with youth with partnership from the Miami International Airport. He stressed how important it is to make a difference even if it is only in the life of one child;
- Social Events: Happy hours, trivia contest, gourmet dining groups at members’ homes, Miami River Cruise, creation of a signature fundraising event.
This was possibly one of the best Club Assembly meetings ever held with great ideas & suggestions expressed by many enthusiastic members. We will provide a follow-up survey for further input.
Special Presentation:
A baby gift was presented to our server at the Yacht Club. We wish her good health, much joy and happiness with the soon to be new addition to her family.
50/50:
With $100 of new tickets sold, today’s pot ended up to at $1,223. Dave Anderson had the pick for half of the big pot, but it was not to be. Maybe next week Dave!!
Dave Skinner led everyone in the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say or Do to close a very productive meeting.
