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For many clubs, summer ushers in a change of leadership, retreats, and, of course, Independence Day festivities. The past few weeks have been busy for local Rotarians from working on environmental initiatives to holding end-of-term events and July 4th celebrations. Rotary International’s District 6990 announced its new officers.
Congratulations go out to new district governor, Barbara Gobbi; chief of staff, Noreen Timoney; district governor-elect, Dennis Caltagirone; district governor nominee, Maria Kesti, and immediate past district governor, Michael Kesti. In other change-of-guard events, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables (RCCG) installed new officers and board members at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables on June 29. Past District Governor Robin Shelley officiated over the induction ceremony swearing in the club’s 2023-24 president, Frank Sexton, a second tour of duty for this Gables Rotarian. Sexton takes over from outgoing president Ana Fournaris whose enthusiasm made for a great year. While juggling work and Rotary, this amazing woman also managed to marry and travel with her husband, Tom Gallagher, visiting Rotarians in other countries and exchanging club flags wherever they traveled.
July 4th celebrations are always big with Rotarians. For Gables Rotarians, their annual July 4th picnic at Matheson Hammock is always a great draw, organized every year by club secretary Sally Baumgartner. Shorty’s ribs and chicken and lots of fellowship started the day off well. Among the many enjoying the day were Bill Quesenberry, Frank Sexton, Rhonda Anderson, Hadley and Jennifer Williams, David Mitchell, Walter and Annette Alvarez, Dr. Phil Boswell, Charlie and Terry Gomes, Lan Nghiem-Phu and Mac Jim Kinner and Maria with their dogs, Aaron Glasser, and lots of new members including Arturo Mancilla and Jeneissy Azcuy.
That same night, Miami Rotarians and friends gathered at the home of Donald and Maria Van Orsdel. The couple’s beautiful home which backs onto The Biltmore property provided an amazing view of the July 4 fireworks. The newly installed 2023-24 president of the Rotary Club of Miami, Norby Rudel, welcomed the crowd celebrating our nation’s Independence Day with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance before a dinner of ribs, hot dogs and the usual sides.
Among several dozen people on hand that night were past district governors Robin Shelley with wife Susan and Mike Kesti with wife Maria Kesti who is in line to be district governor a few years down the road. Other notables attending were Diane Landsberg, Phil Seipp, Dave and Linda Singer, Cory Gittner, John and Pam Admire, Jay Almeida, and Crystal Van Orsdel Marchant.
In other news, more than 100 people from around the nation gathered for A Super Star Summit at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables on Saturday, July 1. The event was produced by Michelle Villalobos, a woman who is an amazing coach and speaker as well as an author of a new book that is a poem with incredible art, But I Want To Fly! In fact, Michelle recited and acted out the poem to the delight of a spellbound audience. For this writer, presenters one after the other were inspiring, sometimes making us laugh and other times bringing tears. Everyone left energized and grateful for all the work that made this magical event happen. Looking to launch a new business, need a retreat or mentorship, go to https://superstaractivator.com/mentoring.
Until next time, share your talents, count your blessings and not your challenges, and make a difference.
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