Warm greetings on this cool but sunny day came from District Governor Ron Richards and Roger Sherman, while Claudia Simmons, Charlie Sherrill and Tim Kane handled ticket sales. 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 with changes to upcoming meetings: no meeting on Dec 30th and the Jan 6th and Jan 13th meetings will be at the Civic Center. Next week we will vote on next year’s Rotary Board. Earl Hutto encouraged Rotarians to sign up as bell ringers for the Salvation Army. Today’s $70 raffle winner, John Soule, let out a huge “Roll Tide” upon learning he’d won.
Mr. Sunshine, Vince Currie, received a rousing welcome before he introduced visiting guests. He then amused everyone with a short test involving giraffes, elephants, and refrigerators. Birthday cheers went out to members, followed by a short reading entitled “Don’t Worry”.
Ellis Bullock introduced today’s speakers, John Peacock and Scott Remington. They represent the Escambia All for One P.A.C. and presented their views on a unified government and why they think we need it.
John reinforced that it is not a negative reflection on the staff or elected officials currently in our local government, it’s about systemic problems. The recommended political and function consolidation would include Escambia County, the City of Pensacola, and Century. Reasons for the change include:
Scott shared that a year ago a group went to Jacksonville and came back excited about the opportunities. Last spring they created a group that has been meeting periodically. They have recently gotten the City Council, County Council, and Century to agree to the formation of a commission. Their timeline for change:
They closed their presentation by letting everyone know that they are just at the beginning of this venture and still have a long way to go.
President Bullock closed the meeting by thanking all who participated, and “Make Dreams Real”.
Alan Moore’s about to don tails and look real sharp as his daughter is presented in the annual Cotillion.
Our own William (Bob) Hart is one of those smiling as retail trade skids. The Walmart stores appear to be enjoying the product of years of marketing skill.
Drive by and see Jimmy Coe’s decorative window at the family hardware store. No doubt Christmas is coming.
Football talk for the year wouldn’t be complete without a cheer for John Hinman’s Rebels. He’s all smiles.
Jerry Maygarden has another title. Gov. Crist has appointed him to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Chris Klotz, December 11, Portland, ME, in Rotary 5 years
Bryan McCall, December 14, Pasadena, TX, 3 years
Phil Turner, December 14, Russellville, AL, 3 years
Richard Sherrill, December 14, Pensacola, FL, 9 years
Ray Jones, December 15, Rockingham, NC, 7 years
Jason Crawford
Upon graduating from high school, Jason enlisted in the U. S. Army and served a total of 8 years. After leaving active duty he became a member of the Florida Army National Guard while attending the University of West Florida.
Jason completed his bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the University of West Florida. He is a business development director with O’Sullivan Creel, LLP. In May of 2004, the Pensacola News Journal selected Jason as one of the Top 40 Community Leaders Under 40 Years Old in the Pensacola area. He is dedicated to this community and is one of the founding members and past chairman of the Pensacola Young Professionals. Jason also serves as a board member for Baptist Health Care and the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jason and his wife Heather grew up together in the small town of Franklinton, Louisiana and currently reside in Pensacola, Florida.