Rotarians were greeted by Gary Bembry.
President Keith called the meeting to order and welcomed all attending. President Keith recognized Cliff Payne who just returned from a Rotary International partnership regarding the wheelchair program focused in South and Central America. Everyone applauded his efforts in San Jose, Costa Rico in helping bring wheelchairs to those in need.
Donna Jacobi representing the Cantonment club announced an upcoming fundraiser to be held at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center. President Keith shared a letter from one of the student scholarship recipients, Kevin Anderson. Kevin extended his appreciation to the club for the assistance he has received. President Keith recognized Jim Stolhanske for his participation and leadership in Literacy Day. Another announcement included that the lunch prices at New World Landing were increasing.
R. P. “Roger” Doyle gave the prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Charlie Blackwell was Sunshine and introduced visitors and guests. He along with John Appleyard led the Birthday song for those having birthdays. Earl Hutto won the drawing.
Our guest speaker, Holly Benson, was introduced by Jerry Maygarden. Holly, Secretary of the Agency Health Care Administration, said she is chiefly responsible for the Medicaid Program. She talked about the tough economic times and increasing healthcare costs and said that the numbers are rising for people who need healthcare and do not have insurance. She said that one of her efforts is to include healthcare information in a way so that the consumer has more control. She asked, “If you had cancer, where would you go”? She gave a central way to gather this information on the internet by going to floridahealthcare.gov website. She told us that there is valuable information about performance of hospitals, nursing homes, etc., so the consumer could make more informed choices. Holly said that Governor Crist has reported that there are about 3.6 million uninsured Floridians. Holly complimented the club and Pensacola by saying she was really pleased being back in Pensacola. Her talk was followed by Q & A.
President Keith thanked all who had been on the program.
Pete Doyle’s joined Jack Gray in board service for Catholic Charities. Ric Nickelsen’s also on that board.
Ted Brown says that his venture in remaking the Beck’s Lake area is coming along just fine.
When we sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mac Miller on September 2nd, he wasn’t with us…but we should note that at 94, Mac’s our most senior member.
Newly returned member Bill Stafford may be seen on stage with the Rooters this month.
Kramer Litvak, September 16, Pensacola, FL, 7 years
Betty Gail Peters, September 17, Knoxville, TN, 11 years
Jack Nobles, September 19, Pensacola, FL, 21 years
William Dickerson, September 19, Pensacola, FL, 14 years
Clarry Ellis, September 19, Fort Belvor, VA, less than 1 year
Susan O’Connor, September 21, Quincy, IL, 6 years
Joe Von Bodungen, September 22, New Orleans, LA, 8 years
For the past year, Christina Littlejohn has served as Executive Director of Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Prior to this, she worked for The Cleveland Orchestra as Director of Residencies launching The Cleveland’s Miami residency program. In her fifteen years in the orchestra industry, Christina Littlejohn has served a variety of roles, including as Executive Director of Mobile Symphony, Alabama. Before Mobile, she worked for Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, interned for Atlanta Symphony, Lincoln Center, and Kennedy Center. She is a graduate of Furman University (B.A.) and University of Cincinnati (MBA and MA) and enjoys playing her cello when time allows.
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 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