Members were greeted by Andrea Farage. Martin Harwood sold raffle tickets as members arrived.
President Keith Bullock called the meeting to order. Charlie Sherrill gave the prayer and members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test.
John Appleyard was called by President Keith to make a resolution remembering the life of Bill Fleming. Mr. Fleming was a graduate of Pensacola High School and the University of Florida. He served in the Air Force in World War II and the Korean War before separation from the service as a Lt. Colonel. Mr. Fleming’s career took him into the business of insurance and served as a model of community service. He was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. John resolved to the membership and President Keith to provide the Fleming family with a copy of the remembrance and that this be noted in Rotary permanent record.
President Keith recognized those who were involved in helping foreign exchange students. Foreign exchange student Frederick from Copenhagen, Denmark gave testimony to Rotary and to his host family of Robert Mills about the wonderful opportunity he has had to learn a new language, attend schools and learn about the U.S. He is in the eleventh grade. Foreign exchange students rotate with different host families in the area.
President Keith called on Board Member Sandra Smith who was collecting monies for the Manna Bank Food Program. Sandra introduced student Regan Humphries who was helping collect and had made a poster. Sandra pointed out that last year there were about 1500 families who needed help but that this year there are 2100 families in needed. She encouraged all to make a donation and that they could make one at the next meeting as well.
Carol Law was recognized by President Keith with a Rotary Paul Harris plus 2 pin for her support of Rotary International projects. Grover Robinson III gave us some sunshine with a hint of humor, visitor recognition and birthday remembrances.
Our guest speaker was Al Stubblefield, President and CEO of Baptist Healthcare. Al spoke about the impending acquisition of West Florida Hospital. He told of the patient census of both hospitals which show a high number of hospital beds that go unused. He said the intent of the acquisition is to redefine healthcare in the community. He mentioned that there was a huge duplication of services in both hospitals and that this would be eliminated. He said that the financial acquisition plan totals about $245 million with an additional renovation project of $75 million. There will be an additional 50,000 square foot building added at Baptist Medical Park. He further explained that the healthcare needs of the community would continue to be met.
President Keith thanked Al for his update on Baptist Healthcare activities and adjourned the meeting.
Bruce Partington took on a new function when he acted as a poll-watching attorney representing the Obama campaign.
Debbie Ford and UWF are planning another BIG move to bring students on campus. Proposed is a new 200-unit plus dorm, to be ready in about two years.
Bill Elebash says that he believes the two-way Palafox traffic will boost downtown visitation. Bill should know. The Elebashes are one of the longest- standing merchants on that street, dating back almost 90 years.
Collier Merrill’s Fish House was the site of much election night celebrating. The popular diner also now has 1620 News Radio broadcasting from there several days each week.
Grover Robinson may be getting ready to write a mystery story. The title: “Where’s The Missing $17 Million?” Bet he finds it.
Skip Furlong, November 23, Muskogee, OK, 22 years
Ben Early, November 24, Pensacola, FL, 37 years
Bill Elebash, November 24, Pensacola, FL, 17 years
The nominating committee proposes the following slate for the 09/10 rotary year:
President: Margaret Stopp
President Elect: Ray Jones
Secretary: Innes Richards
Treasurer: Ron Jackson
Sear gent at Arms: Tim Kane
Past President: Keith Bullock
Board members for the ‘09 through ‘11 term: (to be voted on)
Henry Roberts
Shaun Brantley
Andrea Farage
David Stafford
Continuing Board members will be: (not to be voted on)
Tommy Tait
Rex McKinney
Debbie Ford
Sandra Smith
Elections will be held at the December 9th meeting.
Nominations can be proposed from the floor.
The Rotary Club of Pensacola will be collecting monetary donations on Tuesday, November 19 for the Manna Food Bank. YOUR $10 donation can fill a bag full of groceries for one of approximately 2100 families that are in need this holiday season. Our goal is to collect $2000.