Jan. 18, 2018

Minutes of the January 11, 2018 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
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 as well as the pledge. Tom Martenstein welcomed our visitors.
Youth Merit Award: Jeff Luther introduced Addison Smith from St.Paul’s School who discussed his memorable experience during a mission trip to Nicaragua.
Announcements: John Dukes made the following announcements:
• Board meeting is set for January 18 following the luncheon meeting.
• Invited members to attend the first Dine Around scheduled for Tuesday, January 16 at Noble South. John introduced the restaurant’s chef/owner, Chris Ranosek and the general manager Miles Meade who briefly discussed the event and welcomed members to attend.
• Bo Mattei distributed the last of some $100,000 in distributions from the Rotary Children’s Foundation. The first check was presented to the Epilepsy Foundation to assist with summer camp expenses and the second was presented to Boy Scouts Troop 15. Henry Callaway discussed his 15 year association with this special group and the help he receives from Boy Scouts from St. Paul’s School. The money will go to pay the Scouts’ dues and some expenses related to their annual camp out at the Exploreum. Bo reminded members to keep the foundation in mind for future donations. Since 1984 he said that over $3 million has been distributed to local organizations.
• Mardi Gras Parade Party will take place on the evening of February 8 at the Mobile Carnival Museum. There will be no Noon meeting on that date.
Program: Bon Temps – Alabama’s Mardi Gras
Cart Blackwell introduced the author, Eleanor Inge Baker, and photographers, Jeff and Meggan Haller, of the recently published book Bon Temps – Alabama’s Mardi Gras.
Jeff Haller discussed the ten years’ worth of photography that he and his wife put into the project. The 100,000 photos were originally developed for an exhibit before joining forces with local writer Eleanor Baker.
Meggan Haller then spoke about the photographs which attempt to tell all aspects of Mobile’s Mardi Gras including behind the scenes looks. The hope is that they will reveal a new aspect of the celebration to every one looking at the book, she said. She concluded that while this is certainly Mobile’s oldest tradition, it is ever changing.
Eleanor Baker then discussed the essays she provided for the book and read from the book’s introduction discussing her early childhood memories of watching a parade which are now being repeated by her own two children. She said that in order to raise the money needed to publish the hard cover book she had presold a number of them to friends and family. Of 1,000 printed only 320 remain she added.
Mrs. Baker said she took special effort to have each of her essays read by those she discussed to ensure accuracy. She also thanked David Cooper, Sr. for his assistance as a mentor.
The meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM.
Tom McGehee

Jan. 4, 2018

Minutes of the Rotary Meeting
January 4, 2018
By Kathy Miller
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:15 pm. Bob Chappelle offered the invocation and Tommy Blankenship led the club in song and the Pledge of Allegiance. Les Greer accompanied at the piano. Jeff Zoghby welcomed visitors and members’ guests.
Student Guest: Jeff Luther introduced the principal of Satsuma High School, Josh Verkoullie, who introduced our student guest, Kathryn Eubanks. Ms. Eubanks spoke to the club.
Announcements:
Club Elections: Russell Ladd reported that the Nominating Committee recommended the following Officers and Directors for the 2018-2019 Rotary year:
President Ernest F. Ladd, IV
Pres. Elect Thomas C. McGehee
Vice President Claire G. McCarron
Treasurer Elizabeth P. Stevens
Secretary Thomas B. Marenstein
Sergeant-At-Arms Thomas E. Blankenship, Jr.
Directors:
John T. Dukes (Immediate Past President)
Garrett Williamson
Douglas B. Kearley
Frank D. Harkins
Katherine L. “Kate” Carver
Rotary Children’s Foundation Distributions: Bo Mattei introduced Jamie Yerby, Executive Director of the Mulherin Home, who was accompanied by Lenny, and Melissa McNichol, Director of Camp Rap-A-Hope. Both organizations are recipients of $3,000 grants by the Rotary Children’s Foundation.
John Dukes reminded members of the Rotary Dine Around on January 16th at Noble South and noted that there would be a member event at the Carnival Museum in February.
Program: Tom McGehee introduced Bill Sisson, CEO & President of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Sisson, who holds a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison University and a MBA from the University of Alabama, updated members on the Mobile economy. He said that 2018 should be a great year based on a recent survey of Chamber members in regard to the state of the local economy. Local leaders feel good about the economy and growth. The response to the survey was representative of the membership. Over 90% of Chamber members represent small business, which is reflective of the area’s economy. Mr. Sisson also noted that the USA Business Confidence Index reflects that business leaders in Mobile are the most optimistic of any in the state about the local economy.
Mr. Sisson noted that the area does have some obstacles to growth, which are not unique to Mobile, including attracting and retaining qualified employees and employee wage and benefit costs. He said that there has been an over 22% increase in salaries nationwide. The unemployment rate is at 4% which is where we were locally ten years ago. Our “gross Mobile product” is over $18 billion. It is significant that that we still “make things” in Mobile. The survey of business leaders reflected that 20 local companies plan to enter new markets, 13 plan to enter new domestic markets, 13 plan to enter new international markets, 31 plan to expand their physical plants, 63 plan to purchase new equipment and software, 38 plan to seek new consumer or business segments and 31 plan to offer new products or services
Mr. Sisson outlined recent accolades recognizing Mobile’s logistical advantages, diversified manufacturing, foreign direct investment, and shipbuilding. He noted that we have a strong chemical sector, that APM terminals and the Airport Authority will be exciting areas to watch, and that we likely will see more projects like the distribution centers for Walmart and Amazon. Mr. Sisson updated members about the Innovation Portal, the business incubator on St. Louis Street, which already has 52 clients although the facility is not yet open. He closed with a quote from C.S. Lewis: “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
Adjournment: After announcing members’ birthdays, John adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m.

Dec. 14, 2017

Minutes of the December 14, 2017 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:05 PM. Kathy Miller offered the invocation and lead the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Jeff Zoghby welcomed members’ guests and visiting Rotarians. The club was entertained with Christmas carols sung by the Prichard Prepatory School Singers.
Rotary Children’s Foundation Distributions: Bo Mattei presented checks in the following amounts to these entities
• $9K to MARC to assist with programs.
• $9.5K to United Cerebral Palsy for expenses relating to summer camp.
• $8.3K to the Mobile Infirmary for a program teaching safe sleeping arrangements for newborns.
Bo stated that members’ contributions make this possible and encouraged those present to contribute via envelopes left on the table and added that United Way participants can also direct money to the Foundation.
Youth Merit Award: Jeff Luther introduced Holland Chupek of Mobile Christian School.
New Member: Chambliss Brister introduced Stephanie White, CEO of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors as our newest Rotarian.
Announcements: John Dukes made the following announcements:
• Club elections will be held on January 4, 2018.
• Recognized members who had attended the Rotary Children’s Party on Tuesday, thanking Barney March in particular for his wonderful portrayal of Santa.
Program: Rev. W. Bry Shields
Tom McGehee introduced fellow Rotarian Bry Shields who began his talk saying that the idea of Christmas has become something of a “political football” in recent years. He said that while many Christians want an open expression of the holiday they are up against a tied of secularists who want all images removed, resulting in a “naked public square.” He displayed an Advent Wreath and Nativity Crèche as examples of the expression of Christmas.
Bry said that history indicates this is nothing new. In 17th century America, Puritans in New England abhorred a celebration of Christmas while Southerners were toasting the day with the first egg nog. Christmas was outlawed in Boston as late as 1870 he added.
Bry traced the changing thoughts of Christmas during the 19th century citing Washington Irving’s depiction of St. Nicholas bringing toys, Charles Dickens’ beloved “Christmas Carol” and a commercialization of the day with Coca-Cola’s popular depiction of Santa Claus in the 1930’s. By that time the old Puritan views were long forgotten.
Bry concluded his talk stating that we need religion and the Gospel to inspire us all to a positive ideal fostering a civilization of love. The Chamber Singers and Chorus of McGill Toolen closed the program with Christmas carols.
The meeting adjourned at 1:05 PM.
Tom McGehee

Nov. 30, 2017

Minutes of the November 30, 2017 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:15 PM. Garrett Williamson offered the invocation. John Smith led the club in song and the Pledge of Allegiance. Bill Oppenheimer accompanied on the piano. Jeff Zoghby welcomed members’ guests and visiting Rotarians.
The Student Guest was Hugh Mitchell of Mary G. Montgomery High School. She was introduced by school faculty as a bright star in the community and on campus. Mr. Mitchell talked about service above self and was warmly congratulated.
Announcements:
• John Dukes announced that there would be a Board meeting immediately following today’s regular meeting.
• John Dukes reminded everyone of the upcoming Children’s Christmas Party on December 12. Will be held at the Junior League headquarters and will begin at noon. The UMS-Wright Rotaract Club organizes the party each year.
• John Dukes announced that the December 14 meeting would be the last of December and of the calendar year. The Prichard Prep choir will be signing for the club that day.
Program: John Sledge, Architectural Historian and Author
Tom McGee introduced the speaker.
John S. Sledge is senior architectural historian for the Mobile
Historic Development Commission and a member of the
National Book Critics Circle. He is the author of Cities of Silence:
A Guide to Mobile’s Historic Cemeteries (University of Alabama
Press), The Mobile River and These Rugged Days: Alabama in the Civil War. He and his wife, Lynn, live in Fairhope.
John Sledge knows books and he knows history. His latest book is about the
Civil War and its many effects on the State of Alabama. He told numerous stories, many of which he attributed to his Aunt and his Grandmother. Both of them were clearly good storytellers………albeit stories that just may have been embellished a bit along the way.
Sledge said he felt like there was an opportunity to tell some stories, though some of them had been told before, that he felt, had been somewhat under-appreciated,” He hopes the book educates Alabamians about a momentous and traumatic event in its history. These Rugged Days, published by the University of Alabama Press and partially funded by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, details the turning points of the Civil War that happened in Alabama and their lasting effects on the state. Emmy-award winning filmmaker Ken Burns calls the book, “personal and intimate (and unusually moving).”
John Dukes thanked Mr. Sledge for sharing his historical knowledge and humor with the club and noted that in his honor a donation has been made to the Rotary Children’s Foundation
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:54 PM.
Rob Diehl

Feb. 22, 2018–Scott Page / U.S. Marshall

Scott Page is currently a Sr. Inspector serving as the Judicial Security Inspector for the U.S. Marshals Service-Southern District of Alabama. He has been with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) since 2001. During his tenure with the USMS, he has held several positions in diverse mission areas, including the USMS Fugitive Task Force (Wilmington, Delaware, Atlanta and Mobile) and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF-Atlanta). Prior to becoming the Judicial Security Inspector for the Southern District of Alabama, he held the position of Deputy U.S. Marshal, serving in the districts of Lexington, KY, Wilmington, DE, and Atlanta, GA. He is trained in the areas of federal judicial security, fugitive apprehension, witness protection, asset forfeiture, prisoner operations, physical security and active shooter response. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a military policeman for four years based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He earned his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Alabama. In 2012, he established the Active Shooter Response program for the federal courts in Mobile and has served as lead trainer for the federal courts annual training. He is a nationally certified Active Shooter Response (Civilian) instructor and has assisted many other federal districts, county entities and state/federal judges’ conferences with piloting their active shooter programs. He has been the recipient of many awards, including those for outstanding service in fugitive investigations, judicial security and dignitary protection for the Deputy Attorney General and numerous U.S. Supreme Court Justices.

Feb. 1, 2018–Megan McCall, Ph.D. / "Antarctic Adventures"

Dr. Megan McCall has been teaching science for 17 years and is currently the STEAM Coordinator at Bayside Academy. She completed her Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Development from the University of South Alabama in the Spring of 2017 and has a Master’s in Science Education and undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from the School of Engineering at Auburn University. She has received numerous teaching awards and most notably a Fulbright Distinguished Teaching Award in 2016 with research in New Zealand and a Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. She is passionate about learning and teaching science and has traveled all over the world doing so! Today she will be sharing highlights from her three month long adventure to Antarctica where she studied Antarctic ice fish and humpback whales with scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Duke University.

Jan. 18, 2018–Doug Phillips–Host, Emmy winning program "Discovering Alabama"

Brief Bio Highlights – Dr. Doug Phillips
Popularly called simply “Dr. Doug,” Doug Phillips is known widely for his adventurous travels in Alabama’s wildlands as host of the highly-rated public television program Discovering Alabama, an educational documentary series featuring the natural history and natural wonders of Alabama. In addition to creating and producing this Emmy – honored series, Dr. Phillips has pioneered many other important Alabama initiatives for education and conservation, including the acclaimed model school curriculum Discovering Our Heritage: Incorporating Environmental Education to Integrate the Teaching of History, Geography, Science, Mathematics, and Language Arts – A Community Collaborative Approach and the nationally-recognized model for wildland conservation, the Alabama Forever Wild Program. Dr. Phillips holds the position of Coordinator for Environmental Information and Education with the Alabama Museum of Natural History at the University of Alabama, where he has also authored numerous publications including the national award – winning books, Discovering Alabama Wetlands and Discovering Alabama Forests.