President Oliver Ruiz opened the meeting and shared a thank you letter from Virginia Jacko, CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. Virginia thanked the club for being so welcoming and also for the $5,000 donation made to the Lighthouse from the Club’s Foundation.
Prior to today’s luncheon meeting, a board of directors meeting took place. Phil Seipp reported that the Club’s finances were in good order. It was also determined that Foundation grants will be made in the spring.
Jay Almeida gave an invocation and Rick Hernandez led everyone in the pledge.
Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$ were collected by Juan Torres.
Robert Bull shared a commentary on the Rio Olympics.
Diane Landsberg was glad to be part of the fabulous board meeting that occurred and had birthday gifts for Robin and Susan Shelley.
Angel Rodriguez was thankful to Diane for contributing baby items to the Military Lounge.
Robin Shelley thanked Diane for the birthday t-shirts and shared that he and Susan had a great time cruising from Venice to Barcelona.
Tim Ryan is back from time in San Francisco. He and Sue attended two 50-year high school reunions – must have brought back a memory or two or three! He also got to spend time with family, including some adorable grandkids.
Juan Torres was happy to be attending his first RLI training this week.
Dave Skinner enjoyed the productive board meeting and is appreciative of all the opportunities for service.
Randy Lichtman is looking forward to RLI training as a discussion leader.
Linda Singer is thrilled to be celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary. (It must have slipped Dave’s mind when he gave his happy $$$)
Brian Tschirhart enjoyed a two-week family vacation in the Bahamas. He also presented the club with a donation to $10,000 from a patient and former Rotarian who wanted to contribute to the good work done by Rotary.
Oliver Ruiz was away for a week for work and managed to bring back a cold as a souvenir. He did have the opportunity to reconnect with a friend from college (Go Noles!) who now owns a restaurant in NYC. They got a chance to go to the Battle of the Burgers – a lot of fun!
Announcements
Oliver reminded everyone to keep club member Noreen Timoney in their thoughts and prayers. Her husband, former police chief and honorary club member, John Timoney recently passed away. He will be missed by all.
Rick Hernandez, the club’s Community Service Chair, has planned two more community service projects. On Saturday September 17 there will be a Coastal Clean Up event and we will be volunteering to help with a Susan G. Komen event in October.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule:
NO MEETING NEXT WEEK, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Thursday, September 8 – lunch meeting at Miami Yacht Club
Saturday, September 17 - Community Service Coastal Clean Up Project
Wednesday, September 21 - R2R District Networking gathering at Whiskey Joe’s on Key Biscayne.
Thursday, September 22 – lunch meeting at Miami Yacht Club
Thursday, September 29 – social/networking club event
Phil Seipp encouraged everyone to make their EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) donation. Many members have already contributed their full $100 and some have made partial contributions. Many folks stepped up at the meeting and made their commitments.
Gala Update
Plans continue for the gala. The formal event is Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant on Key Biscayne. There will be music all evening, special guests, good eats, short speeches and plenty of fun.
All members received a packet that will be helpful in pursuing sponsors for the event. Discounted rates for participation are effective through September 30.
Discounted tickets to attend will be available through December 15 to club members.
Input on all areas of planning the event are encouraged and committees to finalize the details are being created.
Michael Hilsbos led everyone in the 4-Way Test of the things Rotarians think, say or do.
