Category: Meeting Minutes

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

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

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.

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

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

Minutes of the November 9, 2017 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:15 PM. Wade Faulkner offered the invocation and Jeff Zoghby welcomed members’ guests and visiting Rotarians. Larry Sindel 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 Mardi Gras Parade Party at the Carnival Museum to be held in lieu of a meeting on the evening of February 8, 2018.
• Douglas Kearley discussed the history of red poppies to remember the war dead, a practice which began during World War I. In honor of Veteran’s Day he handed out red poppies for lapels.
• John wished members well on their up-coming birthdays.
Program: Chief Mark Sealy, MFD
Tom McGehee introduced Mark Sealy, Mobile’s Fire Chief. Chief Sealy, a former U.S. Marine began by honoring veterans in the audience.
Sealy, who was sworn in as the city’s 15th chief in May of this year, described his department as having been without a leader for an extended period, leading to divisions within the department regarding pay and race as well as low morale.
A brief video, Turn the Ship Around, A True Story of Building Leaders by Breaking Rules was shown. The narrator discussed the success of a Navy commander who took over a nuclear submarine and was able to bring the crew’s rating up to the highest in the fleet. He did it by improving morale and instilling a psychological ownership of the sub to all of the men and women on it.
Sealy said his philosophy has always been to never bring a problem to a superior without a solution. Since his appointment he said his goal has been to create a sense of ownership among all of the members of his department and ultimately create a pool of leaders from which his replacement may be chosen. He also said the current administration has given his department more support than any other he has experienced in his 26 year career as a Mobile firefighter.
After answering a number of questions from the audience, John Dukes thanked Chief Sealy and presented him with a certificate noting that a donation in his honor has been made to the Rotary Children’s Foundation.
The meeting adjourned at 12:55 PM.
Tom McGehee

11/2/2017 Minutes
Submitted by Tommy Fulton, Contributing Editor
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes.
K. C. Constantine gave the invocation, followed by Tommy Blankenship, who led us in song and the Pledge. Bill Oppenheimer accompanied on the piano.
Introduction of Guests & Visitors: Tom Martenstein introduced our guests along with visiting Rotarians.
Jeff Luther introduced our student guest, Cailyn Clemons from Davidson High School.
Announcements: Ken Niemeyer discussed the Neighborhood Library project which has 14 libraries. Our partner is Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Program: Tom McGehee introduced our speaker, Bill Barrick, who is the Executive Director for Bellingrath Gardens and Home. His topic was, “Mums and Magic.”
Mr. Barrick opened his talk by mentioning how important the months of November and December are for the Gardens. Forty percent of their income occurs during those two months. The Christmas display and the Mums show have attracted huge crowds. Bellingrath has the nation’s largest display of outdoor cascading chrysanthemums. Because of our “late-freeze” dates, our mums can be grown outdoors in large quantities.
The mums are displayed in various formations including, 400 cascades, 120 columns, 20 hanging baskets and 18 spheres. There are 4,000 2-gallon mums throughout the grounds. These mums come from China and are designed to bloom in November, unlike domestic garden mums. The great variety of mums allows for a large variety of colors and shapes.
Bellingrath uses indoor lighting to “trick” their mums into producing buds by simulating longer daytimes. The growing process begins in January. After four months indoors, they are taken outside. Mr. Barrick then explained the methodology used for various types of displays.
Our speaker talked about the “Magic Christmas in Lights” display, which has been a tremendous crowd-pleaser. This feature takes place from November 24th until December 31st. They use 3 million lights, 35 miles of mini-lights and over 5 miles of steel and more than 7,700 extension cords. The actual lighting process is the most laborious part of preparation. Interestingly, China is changing their production from “mini-lights” to LED lighting. This will eventually change the process.
After a question and answer session, John Dukes thanked Mr. Barrick 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 October 19, 2017 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes at 12:15 PM. Bob Chappelle offered the invocation. Tommy Blankenship led the club in song and the Pledge of Allegiance. Bill Oppenheimer accompanied on the piano. Tom Martenstein welcomed members’ guests and visiting Rotarians.
The Student Guest was Kamryn Pigg of Alma Bryant High School. She was introduced by school faculty as a bright star in the community and on campus. Ms. Pigg talked about service above self and was warmly congratulated.
Bill Oppenheimer introduced his son-in-law Staples Wood as a new member of our club. Staples is a native Mobilian and is an attorney with Long & Long.
Announcements:
• John Dukes announced that there would be a Board meeting immediately following today’s regular meeting.
• John Dukes thanked Ernest Ladd for organizing the Gala which was held at the Southern National restaurant. The event was well attended and everyone enjoyed the food, drink and fellowship.
Program: District Governor Bill Trant
Ken Robinson introduced the Governor.
Bill Trant is a native of Opp, Alabama. He graduated from Opp
High School and is a graduate of Gupton Jones Mortuary
College in Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Trant has been in the funeral
business for over 40 years. He lives in Opelika, and along with
his son, Coley, owns and operates Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home
& Crematory.
This year’s international theme is “Making a Difference”. The question posed by International is Why Rotary?
The Governor gave examples of various ways all members do and can do to make a difference in people’s lives.
Trant talked about some of the projects going on in our District including “planting a tree”, Back Pack ministry and others. Trant announced that every club in our District has contributed to the Rotary Foundation this year. The total donated was approximately $300,000. This is the first year in many when we enjoyed 100% participation.
Trant talked about “Givers vs. Takers” and complimented our group on being givers. A quote he recited was “Be happy with what you have because there are many who have very little but still have smiles on their faces”. He reminded us that we all have 1) time to help, 2) words to share and 3) opportunity……..all toward the theme of Making a Difference.
There is a mid-year conference to be held in Dothan January 12 &13, 2018 as well as the annual conference to be held in Biloxi June 7-10, 2018. Trant invited each of us to attend.
John Dukes thanked the Governor for sharing his knowledge 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 12:47 PM.
Rob Diehl

Rotary Club of Mobile
Minutes for 26 October 2017
Greeting: President John Dukes
Invocation: Bill Oppenheimer at the piano.
Song, Music, & Pledge: The song was led by Larry Sindel
Student Guest: The student guest scheduled for the day was unable to attend and will be scheduled at a later date.
Announcements: The Rotary Children’s Foundation Board will meet in the Ashland Suite immediately following the lunch meeting.
Program: Ms. Webb provided a background for her interest and the focus of her book, Mobile under Siege. She explained that the work began as effort to better know the city which she was born and returned home to live her life. Ms. Webb then proceeded to read aloud the introduction to the book. Interspersed within the recital were observations extending beyond the pertinent portion of the text. The authoress noted the richness of the Historic Mobile Preservation Society’s (HMPS) Minnie Mitchell Archives. She drew attention to the quality and quantity of firsthand accounts never before published prior to her book. Ms. Moore explained that Mobile under Siege was not a work on soldiers and battle, but accounts of everyday people living in Mobile. Before opening the arena for discussion, she concluded by saying that her next work would be on Mme. Octavia Walton Levert. Several questions ensued.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

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.