Rotarians were greeted by Alan Moore and Ron Richards. Raffle tickets were sold by John Shaffer.
President Keith began the meeting by announcing the passing of Eugene Elebash this morning. He called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Gene, his family and friends.
President Keith led the four way test. He thanked fellow Rotarians for their support of Sandra Smith as she helped us meet the goals for Manna Food Bank. Shawn Brantley gave the prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
John Appleyard was called upon by President Keith to give a Resolution in memory of Dr. Frank Creel. Dr. Creel is remembered for his service to the military and country. He was also a pioneer in the development of the Medical Center Clinic, West Florida Regional Medical Center, The Pavilion and was Director Emeritus for Lakeview Center.
Dr. Creel’s career was in psychiatry. He lived to be 83 years old and was a member of Christ Church. He served as a Rotarian for seventeen years. The resolution was accepted by full membership and will be copied to Dr. Creel’s wife and daughters.
Charles Beall introduced new member Chris Klotz who moved to Pensacola from Jackson, Mississippi. He is an attorney along with his wife who also attended. His practice is in criminal law. He was a Rotarian in Jackson and was a Paul Harris Fellow.
Earl Hutto called upon the membership to help with Bell Ringing. He said there are many slots to fill on the weekends each Friday and Saturday thru Christmas. The Interact Students will assist but he needs members to sign up for a 2 hour slot.
The Rotary Rooters entertained with two farming heritage songs. Sally Fox was Sunshine and introduced military, guests and visiting Rotarians. She announced birthdays and John Appleyard played the song and we sang.
Program Chairman David Stafford introduced our guest speaker, Charles Gonzalez. Charles, who was born in Pensacola and has worked for the West Florida Regional Planning Council and the Downtown Improvement Board, now directs the Escambia County Information System. This involves internet mapping and geographical information network about Escambia County. The computer system is called IMAGINE.
Charles gave examples of how information is kept about the country regarding: base maps, legislative redistricting, crime locations, school districts, public works, emergency management, environmental monitoring, sales territories, health care, new markets, real estate, retail marketing, etc. He invited us to look at the site or come by for confidential assistance regarding all kinds of information about the county. The website is http://www.myescambia.com. The office is located at 1190 West Leonard Street.
President Keith adjourned the meeting and encouraged all to help with Bell Ringing. He thanked all who helped with today’s program.
So sorry to report that Carol Powell’s mother, Dotty Whitcomb, passed away recently. Dotty was well known as a swimming coach and aquatics promoter.
Credit Jack Nobles with saving the city about $40,000. His decision to withdraw from a runoff election was real statesmanship. Attaboy!
Didja know that Art Hufford serves as treasurer for Randy Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church?
Debbie Ford and our other UWF staff members are on a high over the accoplimshments of university sports teams. There are those who are beating the drum for football there.
Ed Ranelli is part of the Charter Commission laboring to provide new ideas for Pensacola’s city operations. Oh…and in a recent public statement Mayor Elect Mike Wiggins had many good things to say about the performanc eof member Al Coby as interim city manager.
Jean Norman and the United Way team are fueling interest in the United Way Foundation, which seeks commitments from willing citizens to provide contributions via last will and testament to enable the Foundation to one day meet all of the basic organization’s operating expenses.
Wright Moulton, December 3, Pensacola, FL, 29 years
Ted Nickinson, December 4, Pensacola, FL, 30 years
Glenn McDonald, December 7, Pensacola, FL, 34 years
We will not be meeting on Tuesday, December 29.
On January 6 and January 13, 2009, our club will be meeting at the Pensacola Civic Center. The meeting room at New World Landing will be undergoing renovations.
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
Shawn 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.
Rotarian Earl Hutto is lining up bell ringers for the Salvation Army. Please call Earl at 476-9866 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to let him know what 2 hour time block you can volunteer. Locations are as follows: Best Buy, Sams, Cordova Mall and the Walmart Creighton Location. Dates are as follows: December 5-6, December 12-13, and December 19-20.