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