Valentine's Day Fellowship 2017!

February 14, 2017 - A full house on this day of special fellowship that just so happened to fall on this day of sweethearts, Valentine's Day! 

The board approved a thoughtful and yet, also sentimental luncheon deal which encouraged our members to bring their significant others or their friends. And, we were treated by more than just candy and roses, but by also getting to meet the current president of the South Miami Senior High-school interact Club, she was so inspiring as were the students ( one a fellow officer, the other a Teacher Advisor)!

Application of the 4-Way Test
 
Past President Mike Sutta's happy dollar story of successfully applying the 4-way test to both his personal and business life was my  personal happy dollar highlight, and this did not go unnoticed by the current Interact president, and how, she too, applies those same principles in her life.

Well Deserved!
 
Additionally, several well deserving members received their first Paul Harris, notably: Denny, Ernesto, Flavia, Lewis, Mike and Peter! VERY WELL DESERVED, YOU are our dynamos, our hurricanes!! I was also included. And, congrats again for adding to your Paul Harris contribution: Brett, Britt, Subrata, David, Marty, Mari, Wendy, Doreen and Ellen! And one future Rotarian in Roy’s grandson!

A beautiful lunch filled with beautiful insight, encouragement and promise! 

- by Jeff McNabb

What Does Rotary Mean to You - Subrata Basu, Rotary Club of South Miami President 2016-2017

 Subrata Basu, Rotary Club of South Miami, President 2016-2017

#1 Why did you join Rotary? 

 

My primary motivation to join Rotary or volunteer for any civic, professional or community organizations is to continue as well as to expand my commitment to public service. As a third generation in public service I have always believed that in-spite of our hard work and family influence, the community has a lot to do with who we are. Those of us who are fortunate have an obligation to “give back” to the community in whatever way we can to help make our communities better places to live, work, learn and grow for others. I believe the values that Rotary promotes, not only help improve people’s lives but through its worldwide network can build strong bonds between peoples of different cultures, religions and regions resulting in greater understanding, peace and harmony. 

 

#2 Your Favorite Rotary memory. 

 

I don’t normally hang on to any one “favorite” moment. To me it’s about learning from the experience of every moment and hopefully creating better memories in the future and to continue to learn.

#3 what would you like to see Rotary accomplish?

Help improve the lives of people around the world through Peace, understanding and mutual respect. 

Thank you for your service President Subrata! 

Alex Schreer, New Vision for Sunset Place

February 7, 2017 - A packed American Legion house including two new visitors thanks to our social media efforts, and a fascinating lecture by Alex Schreer! Mr. Sheer oversees the branding and re-positioning of several projects including Shops at Sunset Place and CocoWalk.

A Changing Skyline Landscape
Times change, and community issues need to be addressed as well as marketing concerns. As one example regarding Sunset Place, sidewalks will be widened buffered by Oak Trees, promoting greener spaces that also offer enhanced safety for both pedestrians and bike riders. These modern designs further incorporate innovative Green Mobility concepts, while also expanding shopping space and easier consumer access. And, Alex's presentation artistically illustrated this changing skyline landscape which was both visionary and inspiring!

Always pain with change...
When answering a question about the expansion of the side walks and how this can cause an initial traffic dilemma, Alex responded, "There's always pain with change, but we do this for success!" And, with former Rotarian, Victor Brandon Dover, Rotarian Mari Chael's loving husband, leading up these new innovative designs, the future looks bright, not only for Sunset Place, but also for the city of South Miami!

by Jeff McNabb

2016-2017 Rotary Youth Leadership Award Recipient - Rafael Gonzalez!

The 2016-2017 Rotary Youth Leadership Award Recipient, is our very own South Miami Senior High School Student and Interact Club Vice President, Rafael Gonzalez!

Here's a brief interview between this fascinating driven young man and the RYLA nominating Committee!

RYLA Committee, "What is your present role as a leader in your community?"

Rafael, "I'm assisting interning for the 27th Congressional District under Ileana Ros-Lehtinen"

RYLA Committee, "Would you classify yourself as a passive or dominate active leader? Please give examples."

Rafael, "I listen for different strategies for Projects and how to influence the expansion of donations around Miami Dade County"

RYLA Committee, "What do you believe are the qualities that a leader must have?"

Rafael, "As a leader, to be assertive, present humility and the desire to please with the decision at hand within my reach."

RYLA Committee, "Please briefly explain why you believe that this leadership conference will help you as a leader."

Rafael, "As a leader, we must be humbled to show our ethos. I wish to expand my knowledge and be a more qualified leader."

RYLA, "Where did you hear about the RYLA program?"

Rafael, "Robert H. Kelly, the RYLA Chairman for the Rotary Club of South Miami."

Congrats Rafael! And, thank you Bob Kelly for your service and in bringing this bright young man to the attention of the RYLA nominating committee!

source: Robert H. Kelly, RYLA Chairman

A Historic Lecture - Dr. Gregory Bush, Author, Historian

A Historic Lecture

January 24, 2017 - Our Speaker for today was Dr. Gregory Bush, author, historian, professor, and the director of the Institute for Public History at the University of Miami. Dr. Bush's lecture further illustrated Miami's rich history and how our public spaces played an intrical part in South Florida's Civic Rights history.

Nature Links

Dr. Bush began by describing his program which helps students with intellectual disabilities namely, "Nature Links". There isn't much to do in Miami Dade Country for students with intellectual disabilities out of the high-school program. Dr. Bush''s  program helps keeps them active, teaching them various skills ranging from planting to cooking. Additionally, Rotarian Mari Chael is the Vice President of this program (wonders never cease with Mari!). You can find a Nature Links project in various locations ranging from Coral Gables to Palmetto Bay.

Land Over Time

Then Dr. Bush switched to the main topic of the day which is creating spaces that last, focusing on the needs of all instead of just a few. Currently, it's confusing to even know who owns which parcel of land, what's public and what's private. And further exacerbating the issue is the fact unfortunately most of us in Miami just don't have a solid concept of our history. Dr. Bush gave us a brief synopsis of its history beginning with briefly describing the first Civil Rights assembly which was right here in May of 1945.

This educational summary was only limited by time constraints, still much was discussed and much reviewed. Such as the fascinating history of Virginia Key and its ongoing, but promising, preservation struggles. The Civil Rights history ( much of this unknown to Miami Natives) and how much of this history was preserved by the prominent women ( not so much the men) of that movement. The worry of old landmarks giving way to private industry, the extravagant parking costs just for access for public beaches, essentially pushing people away. And the concern, just how much this land of ours has changed over time, and what we can do to learn more. Thank you Dr. Bush!

Thank you Dr. Bush!

Article by Jeff McNabb

Mid Year Review - How are we doing?

True Fellowship and why did You Join Rotary?

January 10, 2017 - Today was a fellowship meeting in the truest sense, attendance continues to be solid and we all shared what brought us to Rotary. Generally, community service opportunity was a part of each answer, some were influenced and recruited by other Rotarians, a few others recruited through a Rotarian family legacy.

Mid Year Review - How are we doing?

The second half of the meeting was the first half of the year in review, and most goals set at the beginning of the year are being addressed! Still, there is room for improvement, and the strive to be better and to do more should always be a part of our collected drive. However, Rotarian Bob Kelly noted, to paraphrase his high-school basketball coach, that through trying and honest effort, we are in fact, achieving!

President Subrata's mid-year presentation was expertly prepared with illustrations and outlined what we have done so far. Some discussion took place mostly on what to run as fundraisers for our club, possibly setting up new club traditions. Rotarian Mari Chael, had an excellent idea about a community bike ride and a garage sale ( maybe a couple of garage sales).

Continued Club Enthusiasm!

Even though there wasn't a speaker today, the discussion today was effective and everyone participated, this just goes to show the kind of infectious enthusiasm we have as Rotary Club of South Miamians!

Article by Jeff McNabb

A Special Kind of Leadership - Dr.Jeffrey Hodgson of the New World School of the Arts

A Special Kind of Leadership

January 3, 2017 - Our speaker today was Dr.Jeffrey Hodgson of the New World School of the Arts, Lee Michael Morrison, our former distinguished speaker chair and fellow Rotarian, introduced Dr. Hodgson who was influential in Lee’s life as a former artistic director of NWSA’s Wind Symphony program.

To paraphrase Lee’s introduction, Dr. Hodgson is one of those special kind of leaders who works behind the scenes, always encouraging, always patting those he supports on the back, and always taking a back seat so his students and staff can take the spotlight.

Rotary Scholarship

Dr. Hodgson, an accomplished pianist himself, began the lecture introducing Daniel Ochoa, the Rotary Scholarship Recipient, who is a freshman in the visual arts program, specializing in graphic art design.

Daniel, a well rounded artist and a Miami native, had the highest marks in visual design for NWSA, and is currently involved in the WARP program which is an intensive study that meets for 10 hours per week.

Educational Partnership 

The NWSA isn’t just a high school program promoting and helping to produce music, theater, dance and visual arts talents, but also works closely with Miami Dade College and the University of Florida as a 4 year college program.

In fact, one of the benefits of the NWSA is being on a college campus studying with college faculty. And, those in the high school program earn 24 credits towards their college degree. Additionally, there is a 100% graduation rate, and in 2015, a $24.6 million scholarship was awarded to 115 of NWSA’s graduates.

ROI of Arts Degrees

NWSA will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, an accomplishment that is rare in Miami. It’s programs like the NWSA that continues to enlighten us about the Return on Investment with Arts degrees, which is a needed, vital resource, equivalent of Law, and Medical degrees.

The study of the Arts expands the mind, enriches communities, laying down the foundation of lasting legacies often defining cultures and international societies, visually, as well as musically.

Thank you Dr. Jeffrey Hodgson and congratulations on the NWSA's 30 year anniversary!

Article by Jeff McNabb