Minutes
October 29, 2015 Meeting
The Rotary Club of Mobile
Call to order: After a series of equipment malfunctions the meeting was called to order by club president Robby McClure at 12:15 P.M. Mike Brown offered the invocation and then Gordon Korb led the club in song accompanied by Les Greer on the piano. Tom Martenstein welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests of members.
Youth Merit Award: Abigail Denton, who is ranked first in the senior class of Baker High School, was presented this week’s award.
New Members: Laura O’Connor of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce was introduced by Les Greer. Clint McFerrin General manager of Cintas Uniform Services was then introduced by Bill Sisson.
Paul Harris Recipient: Bill Kinnaird was recognized as the newest Paul Harris Fellow.
Program: Downtown Parks Conservancy
Cart Blackwell introduced William Hanes and Kellie Hope who work with the Downtown Parks Conservancy which they explained, seeks to improve parks in the downtown area. A power point program highlighted local citizens’ thoughts on what makes a park successful.
Hanes termed Mobile’s Bienville Square as the city’s “Signature Park.” He said that through an alliance and support from the city and the Downtown Alliance, Hearin-Chandler Foundation, and the Sybil Smith Foundation, the organization has raised $100,000 with $29,000 set aside for the installation of tree lighting in the square. Ms. Hope said that the installation should begin shortly and be finished in six to eight weeks.
The rest of the money raised, Hanes explained, will be used to implement a master plan for the square for its continued improvement. His organization is in the process of receiving its 501C# status to allow donations to be tax deductible he added.
After a series of questions and answers, Robby McClure thanked the speakers and said that a donation in their honor has been made to the Child Advocacy Center.
The meeting adjourned at 12:55 PM.
Tom McGehee