West Jax Rotary

Neil Armingeon
The St. Johns Riverkeeper

Neil Armingeon previously served as the Environmental Director of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation in New Orleans. For over 10 years, he galvanized diverse coalitions of citizens in support of a clean, sustainable Lake Pontchartrain Watershed and developed and directed grass-roots campaigns that integrated science,. advocacy, and public policy. Prior to his work in with the Foundation, Neil was Project Director for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, one of the state’s largest environmental groups, where he directed advocacy and hands-on regulatory education programs.

Neil has a bachelor of science degree from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Duke University.

Notes
Joe Springer mentioned the Boatary at Met Park on Saturday. Bring EVERYTHING. John Bickerstaff announced the upcoming Blood Drive and asked people to sign up. Andy Hariton notified his committee of a Youth Exchange meeting following this meeting. Believe it or not, Bill Howey said that Jags tix still available.

Family of Rotary report from Marty Sacks.

Special recognition to all perfect attendance Rotarians for the 11-19 years ranges. President John came in with perfect attendance for 19 years, with Clint Dawkins a close second at 18 years of perfect attendance.

Matt and Josh exchanged their red badges for their official blue badges of Rotary Memberships. Congratulations to you both!

Mike Crumpler introduced our newest member Chad Miller into the club. As a 1992 Gator grad, Chad is used to the acclaim of the Gator Nation, but even he was impressed when the announcement of his membership was made, the power went out and he brought down the lights! Welcome Chad!

Nina Sasser introduced guests and visiting Rotarians. There was some comment about terrible food, but since we were all eating the delicious food at the Holiday Inn, we knew she was not referring to any of us.

Our guest speaker was the Executive Director of the St. Johns River Water Management District, Kirby Green (Gator grad). Mr. Green gave an overview of the WMD system, and their scope of responsibilities regarding the river, and the entire watershed area.

He discussed issues facing the river, and the restoration efforts underway to preserve the river as a resource for the state and the citizens who depend on it.

We learned about the aquifer system, replenishment, pollution, impact of development, conservation, and the Importance of not degrading the aquifer.

Mr. Green entertained the usual erudite and intelligent questions from the august assemblage of Rotarians. We ended the meeting with the Four Way Test

Visiting Rotarians:
Marcus Drewa — South Jacksonville
Mike Lawson — Downtown Jacksonville
Pete DeVita — Deerwood
David Shacter — Arlington

Rotary Guests:
Janet Noack — Guest of Steven Noack
Rosemary Hamburger — Guest of Putt Wetherbee
Freg Engness — Guest of David Taylor
Alan Guzzino — Guest of David Dunston
David Barton — Guest of Jim Riggan

Birthdays
Jerry Fuller — September 11
Tom Schifanella — September 14

Next Meeting - September 23, 2009
Speaker: Donny Lamey, Computer Technology
Greeters: David Long and Tim Viverette
Invocation: Joe Springer
Pledge: Frank Houser
Four-Way Test: Marty Sack

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online.

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Please review the 2009 - 2010 Duty Roster and mark your calendar with your responsibilities for the upcoming year.