Alan Bookman greeted Rotarians and guest as they met in the newly renovated New World Landing. Alexis Bolin managed the raffle tickets.
President Keith called the meeting to order and welcomed J.J. Coonan back to the meetings! Leonard Schwartz gave the prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Richard Sherrill gave us his Sunshine performance. Richard introduced guests and visiting Rotarians along with Sunshine remarks. He also recognized those having birthdays and the membership sang Happy Birthday to those present.
President Keith introduced Gerald Hooten visiting Rotarian from North Carolina. Gerald introduced his wife Esther and honored his son John with the Paul Harris Fellow award. President Keith also recognized Margaret Stopp, Bob Hart, and Mark Smith for their support of the literacy Ecare program.
President Keith also asked for someone to act as a volunteer host family living in the Washington High School area for our visiting student. Please contact Keith in this regard if you can help.
John Shaffer introduced guest speaker Clif Payne. Clif talked about the International Wheelchair Project that we have been part of since 1996. He said we would be proud of the wheelchair project that helps provide wheelchairs to disabled families and children in Jamaica, Peru and Costa Rica. The goal of the project is to provide wheelchairs and improve the quality of life for profoundly disabled children and young adults. Year to date there have been 301 wheelchairs provided. Clif showed some pictures of some receiving wheel chairs and how their life has been improved and enhanced because of the generous donations of Rotarians.
President Keith thanked all for helping make today’s meeting and program a success.
The meeting was adjourned.
Hill Turner’s son is soon to commit matrimony!
A recently issued Pensacola History in Photos of the 1950s and ’60s has some interesting memories. The pics show the Sherrill family’s Number One Pure Oil Products Station at Garden and Baylen streets, and the Pontiac showroom of Mort O’Sullivan’s clan. Of all visible business signs seen in the book, only the Elebash store of that era remains today.
Following what January 20th speaker Ed Meadows said, good member Jim Martin will be busy, preparing for all manner of new offerings for future PJC students of all ages and interests.
Coy Irvin and his committees are soon to host Spanish royalty as part of the Pensacola 450th anniversary celebration year-long event.
Brian Masterson, February 3, Pensacola, FL, 6 years
Leonard Swartz, February 3, Brooklyn, NY, 23 years
Norris McMahon, February 5, Pensacola, FL, 4 years
Gary Lee, February 5, Greensboro, AL, 3 years
Gerry Hoewing, February 6, Keokuk, Iowa, 3 years
Ed Ranelli, February 8, Birmingham, AL, 8 years
MEMBERSHIP PROPOSALS:
Gary Sammons has been with Gulf Power for 31 years and is the new Pensacola District Manager responsible for the operation of the district which includes Escambia and Santa Rosa County. He has been a Rotarian for 8 years. He is a member of Cokesbury Methodist Church and is married to Shirley. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Malcolm Thomas is the Superintendent of Schools for Escambia County and has had 28 years of experience in the school district. He is a life long resident of Escambia county and a US Army Veteran. He is married to Sandra and they have two daughters.
Judy Bense is the interim President of the University of West Florida. She has served at UWF for 28 years, most recently as chair and professor of the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology and executive director of the Division of Anthropology and Archaeology at UWF. She is currently the chair of the Florida Historical Commission.