Mark Harden greeted all Rotarians, visitors and guests with a warm greeting and firm handshake. Brian Bell sold raffle tickets.
President Keith Bullock called the meeting to order and led the group in the Four Way Test, followed by John Trawick who led us in the prayer and the pledge.
President Keith then called upon Robert Mills to introduce our Exchange Student, Fredric, who arrived from Amsterdam on Monday.
Sally Fox then came forward to present sunshine. Sally then introduced military guests and visiting Rotarians and a number of guests. The birthday celebration and singing was handled joyfully with our piano accompaniment again provided by John Appleyard.
President Keith then gave the floor to Collier Merrill who introduced our speaker, Frm. Congressman Joe Scarborough and current host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”. Joe was first elected to Congress in 1994 where he served until 2001. Joe hosted the nightly television show “Scarborough Country” until he was selected to host a morning show on that network in the time slot previously held by Don Imus.
Joe spoke to the club for nearly 30 minutes on the upcoming general elections and about the upcoming democratic and republican conventions. He noted that the Sen. McCain is considering Tom Ridge (former Director of Homeland Security), Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Frmr. Gov. Mitt Romney as possible Vice Presidential running mates. Sen. Obama is considering a number of Vice Presidential candidates including Virginia Gov. Tim Cain. Joe noted that the Obama campaign seems to be suffering from “over confidence” while the McCain campaign has suffered from the candidate attacking his own ads. Joe’s discussion also involved some “friendly ribbing” of Downtown Rotary’s own David Stafford current Escambia County Supervisor of Elections and former Chief of Staff for the former congressman. Stay tuned for the excitement of the upcoming conventions!
President Keith thanked all participating in the program and reminded all Rotarians to “Make Dreams Real.”
Didja notice Britt Landrum’s steady hand last week, as federal interest rates remained steady?
Kenny Woolf, Bill Dollarhide, and Nathan Kahn have interesting views on the make over of Palafox Street to two-way. A few others, like Gene Elebash, remember when it was two-way before.
Ted and Kathy Brown surely have BIG plans for the family waterfront in Bayou Chico. Who knows? The Brown Hilton may rise there soon!
Maria Goldberg’s chairperson for our Christmas gala. The Rooters are practicing already.
Dale Jordan’s continuing his periodic role as a preacher. His recent “sermon” was a review of religions in the middle east.
Wouldn’t it be nice to see Mac Miller, Bill Baxter, Earle Bowden, Frank Creel, Ben Early and Hal Minnich all at the same table one day? We’ve missed ‘em all.
Ken Woolf – August 19 – Scarsdale, NY – 38 years
Roger Enzor – August 22 – Crestview, FL – 17 years
Bobby Kahn – August 22 – Pensacola, FL – 60 years
Hill Turner – August 24 – Pensacola, FL – 25 years
John Hinman – August 25 – Sunnyside, MS – 42 years