The skies outside were cloudy, but inside Rotarians, guests and visiting Rotarians were met with a warm smile by Claudia Simmons and the pleasant tones of the piano courtesy of John Appleyard.
President Keith Bullock called the meeting to order and led the group in the Four Way Test. Shawn Brantley then led the group in the Rotary prayer and in the pledge to our flag.
President Keith reminded all in attendance of the Rotary Community Initiatives and the need for all Rotarians to turn in their pledge cards so that our group can meet its commitment. The $67 raffle was won (once again, now for a total of five times) by Nathan Kahn.
Robert Mills brought sunshine to the group introducing guests and visiting Rotarians. There were no visiting military. His humorous stories reminded us to be very careful when siphoning gas from an RV.
With the accompaniment of John Appleyard, the group then sang “Happy Birthday” to all those celebrating birthdays.
Present Keith then turned the meeting over to Assistant District Governor Ed Boyer who introduced our speaker, District Governor Ron Richards. Assistant District Governor Ed Boyer also presented a Presidential Citation to our past President, Jerry Maygarden, in honor of his achievements and efforts as President. Then he noted that District Governor Ron Richards is a graduate of the University of Alabama and a rabid Tide fan. After a tour with the Coast Guard, and in addition to other career activities, Ron now is a financial planner. District Governor Ron is a past Commodore of the Pensacola Yacht Club and is actively involved with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and has been a foster parent to one of his “littles.” His spouse, Innes, also is a Rotarian and a member of our Club. District Governor Ron has 15 years of perfect attendance and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
District Governor Ron Richards took the podium and honored past District Governors Roger MacDonald and John Tice who are active members of our Club. This led to an inspiring discussion of the contributions which Rotarians have made throughout the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians are working to “Make Dreams Real.” This includes reducing child mortality, family illiteracy and poverty.
Every day approximately 30,000 children under the age of 5 die throughout the world because of contaminated food and water and related diseases. This can be prevented merely by providing clean food and water to these children. Over 1.1 billion people in this world lack access to clean water, something which Americans take for granted.
Furthermore, studies have shown that child mortality falls significantly if the mother has basic literacy skills. In addition, reducing poverty and increasing the incomes of those in extreme poverty (subsisting on $1 to $2 a day) which is suffered by over 1.3 billion people in the world, will save the lives of children. Dealing with poverty and illiteracy also will reduce the horrifying growth in the sale of young girls in the international sex trade. This is the fastest growing crime in the world, and over 2 million girls each year are forced against their will into this illicit and disgusting activity.
District Governor Ron focused on club responsibilities and individual responsibilities. He encouraged each club to work towards a 10% increase in membership. He reaffirmed the opportunities for each and every person in each club by the contribution of their time, their skills or their money. He reminded each of us that a minimal contribution of only $100 can provide artificial limbs for individuals in Thailand or Haiti, a sewing machine business for a poverty-stricken woman in Mexico, or inoculations for over 166 children in developing countries.
District Governor Ron Richards emphasized the efficiency of the Rotary Foundation in using funds to bring relief to a troubled world. He noted that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently had made a challenge contribution of $100 million to the Rotary Foundation. This is dependent upon the Rotary Foundation obtaining matching funds within the next three years. The goal is to totally eradicate polio in our world. District Governor Ron noted that the only things we keep in this world are the things which we give away.
Before he left the podium, District Governor Ron Richards honored Andrea Farage, Ed Wonders and Frances Yeo, three leaders who are our most recent Paul Harris Fellows. They received emblems and certificates commemorating their achievements.
President Keith thanked District Governor Ron Richards, Assistant District Governor Ed Boyer and all others involved in the Program, and provided a two sapphire pin to District Governor Ron to commemorate his achievements as a Paul Harris Fellow. President Keith reminded all of us to “Make Dreams Real.”
The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:05 p.m.
Hear tell that Teri Levin has left our fold and moved to Five Flags.
Phil and Bruce Partington are justly proud of the recent honor bestowed on their father. .The Opera Guild has named its renovated downtown center for Don, who has been a singer and all-around supporter of the local opera from the beginning more than twenty years ago.
Jean Norman continues to pound out informative newspaper columns about the many United Way programs. With so many leaders now focusing on the area’s poverty needs, her work becomes increasingly important.
Ron and Innes Richards have completed their forty-one district governors visits, and have many tales to tell.
David Stafford’s staff tried…but when only 25% of the electorate turns out to vote, it shows there’s work to do. Perhaps that’s a future goal for Rotary.
When a memorial service was held for former district governor, Charlie Schuster, several of his Gulf Breeze Club members sang a Rooter’s-like tribute. Our own Rooters may put such appearances in their program.
Ellis W. Bullock, 9/11, Birmingham, AL, 32 years
Earle Bowden, 9/12, Altha, FL, 42 years
Chris Pate, 9/14, Macon, GA, 28 years
Martin Small is the Market President for Wachovia, providing executive leadership to the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze markets. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degre in Business. His community involvment includes Junior Achievement, United Way and Youth Sports. He is married to Page and has two children, Katherine 18 and DeAnn 4.
Rear Admiral Paul Edward Tobin, Jr., graduated from the Naval Academy in 1963. After retiring from active duty in 1998, he became the Executive Director of the Educational Foundation of the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association. In July 2005, he assumed duties as the 11th Director of Naval History. His personal awards include: Two Distinguished Service Medal’s, four Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and three Navy Commendation Medals.
September 9th:
Greeters: Gary Bembry and Miller Caldwell
Raffle Sales: Donald Haferkamp and Art Hufford
September 16:
Greeters: Ron Jackson and Ron Martin
Raffle Sales: Jeff Powell
September 23:
Greeters: Ed Ranelli and Alision Rogers
Raffle Sales: Joe Von Bodungen and Malcolm Williams
September 30:
Greeters: Frances Yeo and Nora Bailey
Raffle Sales: David Bear and Shawn Brantley
Naturalization Ceremony: If you would like to volunteer to represent the Rotary Club of Pensacola at one of the future naturalization ceremonies, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and let us know. The ceremonies will take place at the U.S. District Courthouse, 1 N. Palafox Street, 5th floor courtroom on September 19 and November 21 at 10 a.m.