Grove Rotary Club installs new president

Ellen Blasi, Rotary past District Gov.
swears in Randy Lakel P.A.
Photo by Don Kesler

Francis (Randy) Lakel was installed as 2016-2017 President of the Rotary Club of Coconut Grove on July 29 by Past District Governor Ellen Blasi. The ceremony took place at the home of Randy and his wife Antonia Canero, and was attended by present and prospective Rotarians as well as friends of the couple.

Following the installation, Lakel introduced the new Board of Directors, Don Kesler, Phil Everingham, Richard Martin, Lori Hottendorf and Past President Margaret Nee. 
“I am both humbled and proud to take over the reins of our club,” Lakel said. “For the past several years, our club has concentrated its local efforts on improving conditions in the West Grove, both for the community as a whole and the individuals who live there.  

“Since 2011, The Rotary Club of Coconut Grove has invested almost $100,000 in the West Grove, and I believe we have made significant inroads. During my time as President, I want to continue that focus on a section of our community that is often overlooked and underserved.  

“Additionally, I want to address the balance of both age and gender within our club.  Of our 32 members, only 37% are professional women actively participating in the community.  We can do better, and I know we will!”

The Rotary Club of Coconut Grove provides service and financial support to initiatives within the community, as well as to various humanitarian projects in Colombia, Guatemala, and Bolivia through the Rotary International matching funds program. Locally, The Rotary Club of Coconut Grove has funded after-school programs, youth sports for at-risk teens, health initiatives, and a Learn-to-Swim project for underprivileged youth. 

The Rotary Club of Coconut Grove meets every Thursday at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club at 12:15 pm.  The cost for lunch is $20. There is ample offsite parking as the CGSC lot is for Sailing Club Members only.

The following is a list with dates of upcoming speakers:
September 15 - Police Chief for City of Miami Rodolfo Llanes
September 22 - Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell - Rapper with 2 Live Crew and New Times columnist
September 29 - Franklin Sirmans - Director of the Perez Art Museum
October 6 - Ed McDougal - Campaign Director for Veterans for Donald Trump
October 13 - Natalia Zea - Former CBS News anchor and Director of Community OutReach for Miami-Dade Public Schools
October 27 - Jessica Rivera - Director of Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida
November 10 - Frank Steslow -Director of the Frost Science Museum
December 1 - William Talbert - President of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau