Ron Martin provided a warm greeting to everyone on this beautiful sunny day. President Bullock called the meeting to order and led us in the four-way test. Prayer and pledge was led by Bob Gaines.
President Bullock began announcements by welcoming back Ron Richards from his travels. Trey Manderson and Tim Kane sold raffle tickets, and the big winner of $68 was Lou Ray. Mr. Sunshine, Henry Roberts, introduced numerous guests and visitors. Birthday wishes were cheerfully sung to members accompanied by John Appleyard on piano.
Jim Stolhanske introduced today’s program on ECARE, and shared with the group that up to 3rd grade we learn to read, and that after 3rd grade we read to learn. He then introduced Clairen Reece, Executive Director of ECARE. Clairen kicked off her presentation by giving a prize to the first person who could name the first book they read. George Biggs was the winner of a sparkly rhinestone brooch that spells out “READ”.
In an effort to create a better, more literate Escambia County, a group of community leaders, businesses and citizens have created Every Child a Reader in Escambia (ECARE). Our Rotary club was a primary early sponsor of this initiative. The goal of this organization, in collaboration with its early literacy partners, is to educate citizens about the importance of early literacy and to provide the necessary tools, partners and resources for its success.
ECARE’s vision is to create a literate workforce that contributes to economic growth and development in Escambia County. The primary goal is to ensure that all children entering kindergarten in Escambia County in 2011 be ready for kindergarten as measured by state standards. The second goal is that all third graders in Escambia County test as proficient on the reading portion of the third grade FCAT in 2014.
Clairen listed some of the current programs that literacy partners have in place and/or are developing. They include:
ECARE is very serious about making a difference, and will be measuring and monitoring results of these programs.
President Bullock adjourned the meeting with Make Dreams Real!
For fun, ask Gerry Hoewing what Coach Bear Bryant and Quarterback Roger Staubach have to do with the Naval Aviation Museum. Gerry’s going big into area football with his new promotional game.
Coy Irwin’s done fine work in helping make wise selections for the second Honor Flight. More than 400 vets applied to go…making sure the number who would have difficulty getting about remained reasonable. Coy will again make the trip (October 15th) as medical volunteer.
Hear tell that our great secretary Krista now has a “night job,” working with good member Mort O’Sullivan’s firm.
Didjaknow that Blaise Adams is a member of the Downtown Improvement Board?
Perhaps belatedly, hats off to J. J. Coonan for the fine job he does, week after week, having military guests at club meetings.
Trey Manderson, Sept 23, Kosciusko, MS, less than 1 year
Diane Appleyard, Sept 23, Chester, PA, 13 years
Maria Goldberg, Sept 23, Hopewell, VA, 7 years
Buddy Rees, Sept 25, Cincinnati, OH, 10 years
Will Merrill, Sept 28, Boston, MA, 40 years
Innes Richards, Sept 29, Washington, DC, 10 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