The Rote – March 7, 2019
The Miami Yacht Club
President Dave Skinner called the meeting to order. Jay Almeida gave an invocation and Tim Ryan led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Guests and Visitors were introduced by Rick Hernandez:
- Sharon Seipp, wife of Phil Seipp. Welcome Sharon!
- Susan Carey visited as a guest of Arlene Terrinoni. Susan spends her time between New York and Miami, so is here for the winter;
- Michael Harper, who has now submitted his application for Membership, was welcomed back.
Announcements:
- There will be no lunch meeting on March 28 due to the Night of 1000 Paul Harris Fellows event that evening;
- District 6990 BBQ will be held at Tropical Park on Sunday 17th March 11:00 am – 3:00 pm;
- Rotary Panther night is April 6th, watch for more info in your email. It is the final game of the season and Rotarians will be provided with VIP treatment;
- District Assembly is Saturday April 13th at Jungle Island, sign up if you want to attend. All incoming board members should plan to attend;
- TBM Interviews are March 16th, 23rd and 30th. Sign up soon as possible. Diane can tell you which dates are available;
- RLI is March 30th. Please sign up so Diane can register you and the club will pay providing you show up. Ask anyone who has participated previously – you’ll leave there a better Rotarian.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Diane Stieber:
- Diane Stieber told a joke her Mother told her. In the interest of discretion, we won’t repeat it here;
- Linda Singer gave a shout out to our own Clora Adkins Nelson who has been selected by the Women's History Coalition as one of the honorees for the 2019 Women of Impact Awards for her work against Human Trafficking. Congratulations, Clora;
- Arlene Terrinoni is still happy that Tim Ryan introduced her to Rotary;
- Noreen Timoney celebrated Clora’s accomplishment, and gives thanks for her Rotary family;
- Michael Harper is very happy to be joining the Rotary Club of Miami;
- Cory Gittner is happy that he has now moved his office (where he had been since November 1988) into his home. He was able to take a lot of papers to the Lighthouse for the Blind;
- Tim was happy that he may be chemo free in a week!
- Clora explained her award and said she felt honored and grateful;
- Shirley Pardon encouraged everyone to come and support Clora at the event taking place on Sunday March 17th at 2pm. Tickets are $70 available by asking Shirley or Clora.
Our Speaker: Our own club historian Norm Kassoff
Norm gave a fulsome and interesting history of the Rotary Club of Miami and its founder Dr. James Jackson. Originally meeting at the YMCA, which was founded in Miami at the same time - 1918 - the club moved from there to the Hyacinth Hotel. It created a Boy Scout group and paid for their clothing and activities. The Club was involved in helping underprivileged children in the community, especially those who did not have food to eat before school plus many other services for those in need in the community. Dr. Jackson brought in Miami city officials to observe how the Rotary Club was reaching out in the community helping where it was needed. The early folks set the format for success - many of the other earlier clubs fell by the wayside.
Dr. Jackson founded the Miami Hospital, now Jackson Memorial Hospital. Sadly Dr. Jackson passed away from cancer in 1924. The entire city closed down and mourned his passing.
The Rotary Club of Miami is now going into its one hundred and second year - we must be continuing a successful formula set all those years ago by a magnificent leader with tremendous foresight.
Norm was thanked for his detailed history of our club and presented with a certificate. He promised that he will be ready to continue the history lesson whenever we are ready.
50/50:
The winning ticket was drawn by Tim, but he failed to draw the Ace of Spades. Sorry Tim, ask Robert or Renel to show you their technique;
President Dave thanked the working Rotarians - Jay, Rick, Noreen, Shirley, Cory and Tim.
Cory Gittner led us in the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say or Do.
The bell was rung at 1:30pm. Please join us again next week.
Scribe: Shirley Pardon
