Program: The Mobile Health Department: Celebrating 200 Years of Community Leaders
Mobile has the distinction of having a Health Department which is older than the state of Alabama. Over the past two centuries the leaders of this organization have also been prominent in other areas of the city and left legacies most of us take for granted. Three of those leaders who were also prominent physicians in their day will be discussed: George Ketchum, Charles Mohr and Paul Acker. Their interesting biographies will be matched with some very familiar landmarks around town with which they were closely associated in their lifetimes.
Since January 1994 Tom McGehee has been the Museum Director for Bellingrath Gardens and Home. He has written numerous columns regarding Mobile’s lost architectural gems for more than three decades and in recent years has been a regular contributor to Mobile Bay Magazine with his column “Ask McGehee.” He serves as President of the Friends of Magnolia Cemetery and is Clerk of Session for Government Street Presbyterian Church.
Tom has been a member of the Rotary Club of Mobile since 2000. He is married to the former Ceil Smith of Monroeville and has a daughter, Megan, who currently lives in Fairhope.
May 19, 2016–Judge Edmond Naman / NEST Project
Judge Edmond G. Naman has served as presiding Juvenal Court judge since 2007. A native of Mobile, he attended UMS Preparatory School, The University of South Alabama and Jones School of Law.
Prior to joining the 13th Judicial Circuit, he served as Assistant District Attorney for Mobile County and was Special Prosecutor for gun and violent crime and for the Drug Court.
He has long had a special interest in helping children at risk and has served as advisor and on boards of many programs including the “Make the Right Choice” program, Helping Families Initiative, Children’s Policy Council, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and many others too numerous to list here.
Some of the recognition he has received for his dedicated work includes the Spirit of Recovery Award presented by the Mobile County Drug Education Council, Goodwill Easter Seals Community Partner Award, Mike Gottfried Community Service Award presented by Mobile Christian School and Team Focus, Man of Vision Award presented by the Gulf Region Organization Of Nigerians and Americans, Champions Of Life Award presented by the GO-Daddy.com Bowl Committee, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award presented by People United to Advance the Dream and the 2016 Sir Thomas More Lecturer at Springhill College.
Judge Naman attends St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He and Marcella have 2 children.
May 12, 2016–Al Hutchinson– Visit Mobile
Bio of Al Hutchinson
Having served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau for more than 11 years, Al Hutchinson assumed the role of President/CEO of Visit Mobile on July 1, 2014. Hutchinson has been in the hospitality industry for more than 23 years and is the recipient of the 2014 Pioneer Award presented by the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners.
Hutchinson currently serves as Board of Advisor member for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gulf Coast Exploreum Board. He is a member of the Mobile Area Lodging Association; a member of the Alabama Travel Council; member of the Coastal Alabama Partnership; a member of the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile, Inc.; Mobile Rotary Member 2015; University of South Alabama Business School Advisory Council 2016; and also a member of Religious Conference Management Association Advisory Committee.
Hutchinson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Alabama in 1982. Hutchinson is married to Unae Hutchinson and has two children, Asia and Jalen.
May 5, 2016–Watt Key
Albert Watkins (Watt) Key, Jr.
220 Saint Michael Street
Mobile, AL 36602
wkey@wattkey.com
Watt Key is an award-winning southern fiction novelist, screenwriter, and speaker. His debut novel, ALABAMA MOON, was released to national acclaim in 2006, won the prestigious E.B. White Read-Aloud Award, sold over 250,000 copies domestically, and has been published in eight languages. In 2009 ALABAMA MOON was made into a feature film starring John Goodman. Watt’s follow-up novel, DIRT ROAD HOME, was released in 2010 both domestically and internationally. His third novel, FOURMILE, was released in September of 2012, receiving starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. In addition to his novels and screenplays, Watt writes fiction and nonfiction articles for both local and nationally distributed publications. In 2015 ALABAMA MOON was listed by TIME Magazine as one of the top 100 young-adult books of all time
Experience: Novels, short stories, essays, screenplays
Awards:
California Young Readers Medal
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Alabama Library Association Young Adult Novel Award
SIBA Children’s Novel of the Year
E. B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers
Parent’s Choice – Gold Medal Winner
VOYA Top of the Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers
Borders Original Voices selection
Books-a-Million Bookpage feature
Barnes and Noble Discover book
Selected works:
September 2006, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux , ALABAMA MOON (novel)
July 2010, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux , DIRT ROAD HOME (novel)
September 2012, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux , FOURMILE (novel)
September 2015, University of Alabama Press, AMONG THE SWAMP PEOPLE (non-fiction)
January 2016, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux , FOURMILE (novel)
Future Publications:
January 2017, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux , HIDEOUT (novel)
April 14, 2016
Minutes for the April 14, 2016 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to Order: Robby McClure called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and invited Tommy Fulton to offer the invocation. Larry Sindell led the group in song accompanied by Les Greer on the piano.
Announcements:
• Les Greer announced that each table has lists of current committees and asked that members look them over and write their name beside any that are of interest. Members are encouraged to get involved in the work of the club this way.
• Robby McClure announced that a board meeting will follow next week’s meeting.
• The District Conference will be held in Orange Beach on April 22-24. Please see Peggy for further information.
• Marietta Murray Urquhart was recognized as the club’s newest Paul Harris Fellow.
Program: John Valentine, PhD.: Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Russell Ladd introduced John Valentine, Executive Director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab who brought the club up to date on that institution’s latest news as well as its history since being established in 1971 by the state legislature.
Dr. Valentine noted the Sea lab’s commitment to both a healthy coastal economy as well as a healthy Gulf of Mexico noting the two go hand in hand due to the economic importance of tourism and fishing. He further discussed his facility’s educational programs and outreach which includes public education with over 80,000 visitors a year, a K-12 program and related teacher training and finally a series of university level programs for undergraduate and graduate level students.
After answering a series of questions, Robby McClure thanked Dr. Valentine noting that a donation to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab had been made in his honor.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:55 PM.
April 7, 2016
April 7, 2016 Minutes
Submitted by Tommy Fulton, Contributing Editor
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Robby McClure. Don Foose gave the invocation, followed by Larry Sindel, who led us in song, accompanied by Bill Oppenheimer at the piano. Tommy Blankenship introduced our guests along with visiting Rotarians.
Student Guest: Saty Putcha presented our student guest, Courtney Reed, from Faith Academy.
Announcements: Bry Shields, III gave an update on the Kyser Miree Fishing Tournament, which will be held on Saturday, June 4th. The main weigh-station has been moved to The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Program: Garrett Williamson introduced our speaker, Andrew Saunders, the Executive Director of the Mobile Botanical Gardens. Donna Camp, who has been associated with Mobile Botanical Gardens for many years, also contributed to the presentation.
The Gardens were incorporated in 1976. It consists of 100 acres, which originally was a longleaf pine forest, which has restored in a major portion of the grounds. In addition to the longleaf pine forests, the Gardens feature a large variety of “Collection” gardens. These include paved garden paths, Azaleas in the Rhododendron Gardens, Camellias in the WinterGarden, a Pollinator Garden, an Herb Garden and many others.
The Gardens are 100% maintained by volunteers and donations. The city provides no funds. The goal is to provide a total ecosystem for the enjoyment of its patrons, but also to instill passion for nature, and promote interest in gardening, conservation and outdoor activities. Mr. Saunders stated that participation leads to education, which ultimately leads to preservation.
One of the more successful programs instituted around 14-15 years ago is the annual burning of the longleaf pine forest. This clears away the underbrush and allows for healthier growth. MBG boasts the largest “city-limit” longleaf forest managed by fire in the country.
Mrs. Camp stressed the beauty of the floral aspects of the gardens. Both speakers answered questions from the audience.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.
March 31, 2016
Minutes of the March 31, 2016 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Robby McClure at 12:15 PM. After Dan McDaniel offered the invocation the group was led in song by Larry Sindel accompanied by Bill Oppenheimer on the piano. Tommy Blankenship welcomed visiting Rotarians and members’ guests.
Rotary District Conference at Gulf Shores Members were reminded of the upcoming conference and those who are interested should contact Peggy.
Program: Casi Callway, Executive Director of Mobile Baykeeper
John Dukes introduced Casi Callaway who gave an update on her organization’s goals in helping the Environment, Economy and the Community. She presented an overview of Mobile Baykeeper’s efforts for clean water, clean air, a good environment for wildlife and responsible government.
She invited her listeners to get involved, noting the numerous clean up days and her organization’s willingness to help set up further such events around our community. Casi discussed the new Mobile Greenway Initiative which she said will connect Langdon Park with downtown Mobile and lead ultimately to Dog River. The first 7 miles are underway, she added.
Mobilians need to “get engaged” she said, and to be aware of issues confronting this region. She described the recent Tank Farm Ordinance as one that while not perfect is “a good balance.” Casi added that her organization is not just about environmental issues but seeks to improve the whole community, supporting tourism, business, and a healthy, thriving environment.
After answering a number of questions, Robby thanked her for speaking to the club and presented her with a certificate noting that in her honor a donation had been made to the Bay Bears Charities.
The meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM.
Tom McGehee
March 24, 2016
Minutes of the Rotary Meeting – March 24, 2016
By: Henry R. Seawell, IV
Invocation, Song, Music and Pledge
Robbie McClure called the meeting to order. Jimmy Lyon gave the invocation.
Larry Sindel led the song and pledge, accompanied by Les Greer on the piano.
Introduction of Guests and Visitors: Tommy Blankenship
Student Guest: The student of the week was Santajia Lindsey from C.F. Vigor High School, introduced by Saty Putcha.
Announcements: Rotarians were reminded of the upcoming District Conference, which is scheduled to be held in Orange Beach April 22-24, 2016. Les Greer gave an announcement regarding the status of the CART Program. To date, the Club has contributed $3,587.72 to the CART Program, monies that will help further the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Program
Speaker: Jeff Carter, Executive Director of the City of Mobile’s Innovation Team (the “Team”), was introduced by Cart Blackwell.
Mr. Carter, a lifelong resident of Mobile and graduate of the University of South Alabama, discussed the current state of blight in the Mobile area and the Team’s efforts to mitigate these conditions. Mobile has the distinction of being one of eighteen cities in the United States that receive funds from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The Team has used those funds, in part, to implement the Bloomberg Innovation Delivery Model to deliver adequate and effective public service.
According to Carter, Mobile has 1,256 blighted properties. These conditions have an adverse effect on property value estimated at $83MM and effect more than 13,000 homeowners. These blighted properties are generally dilapidated, open to the public and/or abandoned. Every property within a 150’ radius is negatively impacted.
In the past, the only method used by the City to remediate blight was using the criminal ordinances to levy fines or other penalties against property owners that failed to maintain. This has not worked, but rather served to further burden the court’s docket. A push is being made by the Team to better implement methodology aimed at the property itself. Specifically, many of the blighted properties are not marketable due to issues with heirship, clouded title, or tax issues. By tackling these deficiencies directly, the Team hopes to make the land saleable.
The Team has likewise instituted a “blight index” to rate the degree of blight. Fortunately, only 15% of these properties have reached the point where they are no longer salvageable and must be demolished. Presently, 25% of Mobilians live within 150’ of a blighted structure, but the Team has undertaken the lofty goal of reducing that figure to 20% by next year. Finally, Mr. Carter introduced the five member “Team Innovation,” all of which have impressive resumes and a unique skill set. The City of Mobile appears to be in good hands with Team Innovation tackling blight.
The meeting was adjourned.