The Rote – May 12, 2022
Via Zoom
Scribe: Marcia Brod

President Noreen Timoney opened the meeting and welcomed everyone attending. Steve Dutton joined us from his cruise ship in Croatia, Shirley Pardon beamed in from England – some people are really out and about in the world!

Jay Almeida gave the invocation honoring this past Sunday being Mother’s Day and how vital all women are to our family, the community, and the world.

Marcia Brod led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and reminded all how lucky we are to be living in the United States, despite its many challenges.

Some important happenings on May 12….

• 1949 – Russia announced the end of its’ blockade of Berlin;

• 1932 – Charles Lindbergh’s missing son’s body was found about 4 miles from his home;

• 1907 – Actress Katharine Hepburn was born;

• 1937 – Comedian George Carlin was born;

• 1928 – Songwriter and pianist Bert Bacharach was born.

We are reminded to keep the people and our fellow Rotarians from Ukraine and Eastern Europe in our thoughts and prayers.

This Saturday, May 14, we will be gathering on Key Biscayne at 9:00am for a tree planting. If you haven’t reached out to Robert Bull, please do so now so he knows you are coming.

The next coral reef restoration project will be held on Sunday, June 12 with the University of Miami Rosenstiel School research team. Details to follow.

Everyone is looking forward to attending the June 25 Installation Dinner of our Incoming Club President Brian Tschirhart. This is such an important event, be sure to RSVP NOW! Cost is $50/pp.

President Noreen Timoney will be bidding a fond farewell to her presidency on Thursday, June 30 at an in-person meeting. Be sure to come!!!

Today’s Program:

• Kahlia Bersson is the National Director of Telehealth Services for Banyan Treatment Centers and has extensive experience in substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. 

• She promotes a client-centered, holistic approach to treatment that utilizes relevant and effective interventions to meet the client where they are at in the change process and empower clients to meet and surpass their goals. This holistic model covers the biologic, psychologic, social, and spiritual aspects of the individual.

• The Pandemic has affected us all and those who lack valuable protective factors in their lives were certainly at greater risk to mental illness and depression.

• The Pandemic has created a vulnerable population.

• Ms. Bersson’s P.A.T.H. to Resilience is People - Ample Connection – Thoughts – Help.

• There is no shame in seeking help or urging others to seek help when there are issues with mental health and/or depression.

• Robin and Susan Shelley are looking forward to attending this year’s Rotary International Convention. Others attending should note that proof of vaccination will be required prior to attendance. There will be a virtual convention available to everyone on the Rotary International Website;

• Linda Singer was pleased that hubby Dave’s son Neil came to Miami to give a lecture at the UM Sylvester Cancer Center and will be back to do the same at FIU. Linda also met at her eye doctor’s office a young medical student who happens to be President of the FIU Rotaract Club – it truly is a small world!

• Marcia Brod has finally given up waiting for a factory direct replacement generator from Generac after a year of waiting and will be getting a new Generac unit from Norwall in a week (too bad it had to cost more);

• Noreen Timoney was thankful for today’s speaker and the wonderful information she shared with us.

Some words of Inspiration to carry everyone through the day and through life:

Robin Shelley led us through the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say or Do.

The meeting adjourned with thanks to all those attending.