President Phil Seipp called to order another meeting of the Rotary Club of Miami. Jay Almeida gave an invocation and Dave Skinner led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.
Visitors and Guests were introduced by Juan Torres:
Maria Elisa Santiago is an attorney and a member of the Rotary Club of Dorado in Puerto Rico. She has come to Florida because of the situation in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Irma. She is staying with her son and figuring out what comes next. We were happy to have her with us today;
Alan Snyder is a member of the Rotary Club of Miramar Pines. He is membership chair of his club and came to our meeting to thank Diane Landsberg for her suggestions and help on membership issues;
Jaime Tobin is Director of Reservations with Ildar Ventures. She is looking forward to returning to the Rotary family by becoming a member of the club;
Alvaro Dos Santos, a former Miami Rotarian, was happy to be visiting the club today.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Cory Gittner for the benefit of TBM & Give Miami Day:
Diane Landsberg was happy to report that the Club’s Foundation had already received donations from Give Miami Day. She and Dave Skinner worked hard to have our Foundation included in this event and look to continue participation in the future;
Stephan Schenk is looking forward to visiting his daughter in Australia;
Dave Skinner was glad to see Renel Noel back on his feet after shoulder surgery;
Linda Singer enjoyed a great event promoting Daniella Levine-Cava for reelection to the County Commission;
Jay Almeida was happy to see Al Dos Santos at the meeting today. He also enjoyed spending an evening with Robert Bull listening to Norby Rudel at his Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza gig;
Robert Bull was the first contributor on Give Miami Day to our Foundation. As a non-techie, he was proud that he navigated the website successfully;
Scott Richey was happy for his in-laws that Peru qualified for the World Cup. He was also excited that the Club is moving closer to leaving Wells Fargo;
Renel Noel was feeling better after six hours of surgery on his shoulder. He felt no pain with the help of pain meds, but is now recovering nicely on his own;
Al Dos Santos was happy to be visiting his old club;
Robin Shelley had a wonderful time at the UM vs. Notre Dame football game. The Canes are now rated #3 and going to the ACC Championship game;
Alan Snyder thanked the club for being so welcoming and for doing good things with the happy $$$ funds raised.
Phil Seipp was happy about Give Miami Day and brought a check in addition to his online donation.
Announcements
Today is Give Miami Day. Thanks go out to Diane Landsberg and Dave Skinner for their work in completing the application and making this happen. Members are encouraged to go on-line and participate. Funds will be going to the Thomas Brown McClelland Trust;
The Club’s Board met today. The Club is financially sound and we continue to support worthy causes. Work is proceeding on moving the Thomas Brown McClelland Trust out of Wells Fargo;
November is Rotary Foundation Month. We hope to continue to be a 100% EREY Sustaining Member club. If you haven’t made your EREY contribution this year – here are two opportunities:
Robin Shelley is selling tickets for the Rotary District 6990 Golf Ball Drop for $25 each. The event takes place at the Biltmore Golf Course on February 1, 2018. There are several great prizes for the golf balls that land closest to the cup;
The Club’s annual Holiday Party will be on Saturday, December 16. There will be plenty of goodies on sale, so be sure to bring cash or a checkbook. All purchases will be applied to your EREY account;
Thursday, December 7 will be the 50th celebration of the Griffitts Award to the City of Miami Police Officer of the year. It will be at 6:30pm at the City of Miami Police Benevolent Hall & Police Museum. Guests are $30.
Membership Continues to Grow!
We are thrilled to have Stephan Schenk rejoining the Club today. Jay Almeida shared with us Stephan’s background and PDG Robin Shelley made it official. Welcome back Stephan!!!!
Our Speaker was introduced by Norby Rudel:
Anna Pietraszko is Executive Director of the Miami Music Project. She is a musician, leader and educator;
The organization’s mission states: Miami Music Project uses music as an instrument for social transformation, empowering children to acquire values and achieve their full potential, positively affecting their society, through the study and performance of music;
Anna paralleled how music helped her on her path through life and that of Ruth Joseph - one of the students in her program. Both of their lives have been enriched by music and being part of the Music Program Project;
The program currently serves 500 students at 4 different school locations. Students spend two hours a day playing and learning about music. The instructors are professional musicians and are paid for their work;
Transportation is provided and there are many partner organizations that enhance the possibilities for each child;
This year a 4-week summer camp program will also be held for 185 students;
The Miami Music Program is committed to music and the community.
Our 50/50, while just starting over, continues to raise funds and provide entertainment. New member, Maria Socarras, did not draw the lucky card but earned $25 toward her EREY.
Linda Singer led everyone in the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think Say or Do to end another great meeting.
