Month: October 2017

10/5/2017 Minutes
Submitted by Tommy Fulton, Contributing Editor
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes.
Ken Niemeyer gave the invocation, followed by Tommy Blankenship, who led us in song and the Pledge.
Introduction of Guests & Visitors: Tom Martenstein introduced our guests along with visiting Rotarians.
Jeff Luther introduced our student guest, Katore James from B. C. Rain High School.
Announcements: Save the Date: Our Gala will be October 11th @ Southern National from 6:30pm – 9:00pm
NEST Fest – Thursday, Oct. 12th @ Steeple
Little Sisters of the Poor will have their 46th Annual Lawn Party on Sunday, Oct. 15th.
Program: Laura O’Connor introduced our speaker, Rick Frederick, Community Relations and Business Resource Mgr. for the Mobile Bay National Estuary. His topic is “”Three Mile Creek Project.”
The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program is funded by the federal, state and local governments, along with grants from private and business entities. Our NEP is 1 of 28 in the United States. Over the years, those involved in our NEP have developed Comprehensive Conservation and Development Plans, geared to maximizing the prudent use of our natural resources. Ours operates as a branch of Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Mr. Frederick stated that their plans come from a “science-based” mindset. With that in mind, it is vitally important to work with, and receive buy-in from community and business interests, as well as governmental leadership. It is a non-regulatory entity.
Their group is heavily involved in the Lower Alabama watershed, which is the 6th largest in the United States. Each plan costs around $250,000.00 and takes a year to complete. The process begins by building partnerships, determining the character of the watershed, setting goals, implementing those goals and finally, evaluating the progress. One of his examples was the $13 million being spent on the D’Olive watershed.
Some of the other examples of their projects included Joe’s Branch Step Pool Barriers, restoration of the Fowl River Watershed near the northern tip of Mon Louis Island, development of “litter-gitters” to help clean up Three-mile creek. Finally, he discussed the Three Mile Creek project, which will run through the heart of Mobile. The goals include improving water quality, providing greater access, protecting wildlife, restoring heritage and cultural connections, making the area bike/hike friendly, and create greater access for canoes and kayaks. This will go through 5 city council districts and nine neighborhoods.
After a question and answer session, John Dukes thanked Mr. Frederick for his presentation and presented a certificate to him, noting that a donation in his honor had been made to the Rotary International Foundation.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.

Minutes of the Rotary Meeting
September 28, 2017
By Kathy Miller
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:15 pm. Bry Shields offered the invocation and John Smith led the club in song and the Pledge of Allegiance. Tom Martinstein welcomed members’ guests.
New Members: Virginia Edington introduced Kalishia Mitchell and Larry Sindel introduced Ben Ford.
Student Guests: Jeff Luther introduced our student guest from the Alabama School of Math & Science, Kimberly Chieh, who spoke to the club.
Program: James Fowler introduced Dale Speetjens of Ship Shape Urban Farms. Mr. Speetjens received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, a Masters of Landscape Architecture and a Masters of Community Planning from Auburn University. He and his wife Angela co-founded Ship Shape Urban Farms this year. Their work involves turning shipping containers into farms using hydroponics. The water used to grow the crops, which include lettuce, leafy greens and culinary herbs, contains the nutrients that otherwise would be provided by soil. The technique is ancient and has been used in this format in the United States since the 1930’s. This farming method reduces the need for herbicides and pesticides, the cost of production and the cost of transporting food. Urban farms are designed to address “food deserts”, areas in which there is not ready access to fresh vegetables.
Ship Shape Urban Farms will be located at 610 St. Michael St. The site is designed for engagement with the public. Approximately one-third of the site will contain containers. The farm will include Mobile’s first living herb wall and seasonal gardens which will explain urban farming methods. The site will also include an event area which can be rented, a small restaurant and market. Dale and Angela hope that the farm will change the way that we think about food. Mr. Dukes presented Mr. Speetjens a certificate recognizing his speaking to the Club.
Announcements: Mr. Dukes reminded members of the Gala scheduled on October 11 at Southern National from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Adjournment: After announcing members’ birthdays, John adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m.

Minutes of the August 21, 2017 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:15 p.m. Wayne Miller offered the invocation. Tommy Blankenship led the club in song and the Pledge of Allegiance. Tom Martenstein welcomed members’ guests.
Announcements:
• John Dukes announced there would be a board meeting immediately following today’s regular meeting.
• The Rotary Annual Gala is scheduled for October 11 at the Southern National Restaurant, 360 Dauphin Street.
• The Mobile ARC recently presented their “Agency of Distinction” award to the Rotary Childrens Foundation.
• Member Ariel Chavez provided an update on the activities of our Interact Club. The club is based at Murphy High School and has 26 members. The club is in the process of partnering with another Interact club in LaPaz, Bolivia to help a homeless childrens’ shelter. In addition, a Career Day is being planned for Spring 2018 and Rotarians are encouraged to participate by sharing their vocation. A sign-up sheet was distributed.
Program: Greg Cochran, Alabama League of Municipalities
Tom McGehee introduced Greg Cochran.
Mr. Cochran spoke on the important role of lobbyists in the legislative process for a better Alabama. Cochran commented it was often said “lobbyists were the people we hire to protect us from the people we elect.” Although, the influence of lobbyists was curtailed greatly by two recent changes to the Alabama ethics laws.
Mr. Cochran cited a number of critical issues facing the state of Alabama. Among these were infrastructure funding. In Alabama, state funding of roads, bridges, highways, etc. is largely based upon taxes collected from various fuels sold in the state. With the improved energy efficiency, Alabama is essentially collecting $360 million less than a few years ago. Since state funds are normally matched with federal monies on a 5:1 basis, this results in an additional $1.8 billion lost.
Mr. Cochran also mentioned that while levels of personal income were at historic levels in the Alabama, sales tax collections have been virtually flat since 2009. He cited growing online purchases without the collection of sales taxes for state and local benefit. Alabama’s 450 municipalities need funding to address the needs in their communities. He encouraged federal enactment of the “Marketplace Fairness Act” to better facilitate sales tax collections from out-of-state vendors to Alabama citizens.
After addressing a number of questions, John thanked Mr. Cochran for speaking to the club and noted that in his honor a donation was made to the Rotary Children’s Foundation.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 1 p.m.
Bob Chappelle

Minutes of the September 14, 2017 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:15 PM. Bruner Binion offered the invocation and Tom Martenstein welcomed members’ guests and visiting Rotarians. Tommy Blankenship led the club in song and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Announcements: John Dukes made the following announcements:
• Mark your calendar for the annual Rotary Gala to be held on Wednesday, October 11 at the Southern National, a new Dauphin Street restaurant. There will not be a luncheon meeting on October 12.
• A board meeting will take place next week on September 21.
• John wished members well on their up-coming birthdays.
Program: Angie Holan: Editor of Poitifact
Tom McGehee introduced Angie Holan who is based in Washington, D.C where she is the editor of Politifact, the politics fact-checking website. She explained that the ultimate role of the site is to improve the public’s trust in the media as they pursue a mission to sort out the truth in statements made by local and national politicians.
Politifact investigates statements and rates them on a scale ranging from “True” down to “Pants on Fire,” she explained. They refuse to use anonymous sources in their research but she noted that both the New York Times and Washington Post rely heavily on such sources.
Ms. Holan said that Politifact has received a grant to explore issues in Mobile, Tulsa, OK and Charleston, WV which were all cities which strongly supported Donald Trump in the presidential election.
After a lengthy and active question and answer session, Angie was thanked by John Dukes who said that in her honor a donation has been made to the Rotary Children’s Foundation.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM.
Tom McGehee

9/7/2017 Minutes
Submitted by Tommy Fulton, Contributing Editor
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes.
Cart Blackwell gave the invocation, followed by Larry Sindel and pianist Bill Oppenheimer, who led us in song and the Pledge.
Introduction of Guests & Visitors: Tom Martenstein introduced our guests along with visiting Rotarians.
Announcements: Save the Date: Our Gala will be October 11th @ Southern National from 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund will assist Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort
Bill Oppenheimer invited members to attend the NEST of Mobile function Oct. 12th at the Steeple.
Program: Tom McGehee introduced our speaker, Norman H. McCrummen, III. His topic is “A Particular World View – The Essence of Islam.”
“Our individual world view shapes our relationships and our outlook on life.” With that statement, Mr. McCrummen explained that we cannot understand the situation in the Middle East with respect to the Muslim community and Islam unless we understand their mindset. They believe that they live under the constant watchful eye of God, and that mankind will be returning to the mindset of the 7th century. Much of what he spoke about was based upon Graemme Wood’s book, “The Way of Strangers.”
Currently, there are an estimated 200 million militant Muslims around the world. They fervently believe that we are in the end times and that year duty is to bring about Apocalypse to their own benefit. This is being hastened by massive technological advances, which also means that information about these extremists is being disseminated in greater amounts than ever. The Islamic State exists to eradicate any who disagree with them.
Mr. McCrummen said that the horror show we currently see in Syria is a precursor to a massive world war. In countless instances, “Doomsday” stories are told to Muslim children that humanity is in the period described in the “Signs of the Hour.” Under this scenario, true followers of Muhammed must destroy opposition quickly and completely. They are working towards the “Great Slaughter” as part of the caliphate. In their minds, for example, Turkey is considered apostate.
In one of the more intriguing parts of his talk, McCrummen said that Jesus is considered the 2nd most important figure in history behind Muhammed. It is their belief that at the end of times, Jesus will return with the Mahdi army and lead the Muslims against the rest of the world. Their goal according to the Koran is that Christians and/or Jews must be mutilated if they refuse to pay fees to the Muslims. That includes loss of limbs all the way to death as punishment for non-compliance.
Finally, Mr. McCrummen urged the audience to look past our “safe” lives to recognize the dangers faced by the rest of the world now. The Islamic State is dedicated to bringing on the Apocalypse, which will lead them to their ultimate goal of eternal heaven.
After a question and answer session, John Dukes thanked Mr. McCrummen for his presentation and presented a certificate to him, noting that a donation in his honor had been made to the Rotary International Foundation.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.

Minutes of the Rotary Meeting
August 24, 2017
By Kathy Miller
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:15 pm. Dan McDaniel offered the invocation and Larry Sindel led the club in song and the Pledge of Allegiance. Tom Martenstein welcomed members’ guests.
Announcements: John Dukes reminded members that the new rosters are here and to pick one up on the way out. Ken Neimeyer pointed out that the current issue of the Rotary magazine has an article on the founder of the Little Lending Library concept, a Rotarian from Wisconsin, and recommended the article to members.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition: John Dukes recognized Saty Putcha as a Paul Harris Fellow and commended him for his support for the Rotary International Foundation.
Program: Don Foose introduced Randy Kennedy, program director and host of Sports Drive on Mobile’s WNSP Sports Radio 105.5 FM. Mr. Kennedy, who grew up in Birmingham and graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Montevallo, previously was the sports editor of the Mobile Press Register. He left newspapers to work full time in radio in February 2015 and hosts several popular programs on WNSP.
Mr. Kennedy gave an engaging and informative talk about the upcoming football season. His remarks focused on the University of South Alabama, the University of Alabama and Auburn University. He reviewed these schools’ football programs, coaching staffs, schedules and the strengths and weaknesses of the teams. He focused on their first few games of the season and possible outcomes. Mr. Kennedy’s talk included detailed statistics and information about key players. Mr. Kennedy answered a number of questions about various other SEC teams including FSU, LSU and Ole Miss. Mr. Dukes presented Mr. Kennedy with a certificate recognizing his speaking to the Club.
Adjournment: After announcing members’ birthdays, John adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
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