Rotary Program: 6/11/03

Program Chairperson: Carrie Cinnamond

Speaker: Carrie Cinnamond, Host of Special Tribute to Frank Carlton

Frank Carlton, one time city manager of Pikeville and a long standing member of the Pikeville Rotary Club, was given a special tribute by many of his colleagues, family members, and fellow Rotarians. He was surprised, upon his arrival to the meeting today, to find his wife Nancy and his son Jeff as our guests today. As most of you know, Frank and his wife are moving to Oregon, so it was fitting that we look back over his long career as city manager, as a member of our club, and as a part of our community.

Carrie Cinnamond came to the podium and asked Frank to come sit at the head table during the proceedings. As Frank made his way to the front, Morgan Chapman led the club in a rousing rendition of "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow." Carrie then proceeded to give us a brief biography to acquaint us with the life of this extraordinary individual. Frank was born in New Jersey on June 28, 1933. He went to Kindergarten with his wife Nancy and grew up to marry his teenage sweetheart on June 18, 1955. As a teenager he was an Eagle Scout, served as President of his Student Council and played football in High School. His academic record allowed him to win a full scholarship to college. He attended Dartmouth College and spent time as a mid-shipman in the Navy. As he entered his working career, he spent a few years in California as an administrative assistant in city government and assistant city manager. Then he moved to Oregon and served as a town manager there. From Oregon, he came to Pikeville as the city manager under the administration of Mayor William Hambley. He would spend ten years at that position at a time of great growth and change in our city. Pikeville was proclaimed and All-American City and a Model City during his tenure. It was also during this time that Pikeville entered its greatest endeavor that changed the face of the city for all time. The cut-through project moved a river, a railroad, and a highway through Peach Orchard mountain and made way for the greatest earth moving project since the Panama Canal. Working with many Federal and State agencies, Frank was able to help see the project through to its completion.

Frank has been a Rotarian for 25 years and has served as Sergeant-at-Arms and President of the Pikeville Club as well as several positions on the District level. He and his wife both have achieved the level of Paul Harris Fellow. His faithful attendance and inspiration has been a key element to the success of this club and it is truly a great loss to see him leave. Frank also has been a faithful and active member of the Pikeville Presbyterian Church where he has served as Elder, Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher. He has served for many years on the Board of the David School, the Animal Shelter Board, and started the first sponsorship of AFS (Foreign Exchange Students) in the Pikeville community. He is a Kentucky Colonel and has served on the Governor's Commission on Senior Citizens. Several years ago, Frank had surgery on his spine to remove a tumor. This procedure left Frank with what he called a "handicap in his hands". Thankfully, it did nothing to hamper the brilliant mind and quick wit of this notable citizen of the world.

Carrie asked for members of the club to come forward to speak briefly about their experiences with Frank. Joe Dean Anderson came forward to speak about working with Frank on the cut-through project. He passed around a book he had put together that showed the progression of the work from beginning to end. He also cited fond memories they had shared as members of the Rotary Club.

Then Frank was called to the podium to add a few remarks of his own. It was evident to all that Frank was truly overwhelmed with the outpouring of good will from the club. He spoke, often with tears, of his affiliation with the city government, the Presbyterian Church, the David School, and most especially with the Rotary Club. Finally he called upon Jeff Vanderbeck to come forward, whereupon he proceeded to make a presentation of his "Hillbilly hat" and "bibbed overalls" to the other resident "Yankee" to carry on the tradition after him. Jeff graciously accepted the mantle and vowed to make his presence known and try to live up to the standard. The meeting was closed with another round of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow", as members lined up to congratulate Frank and his family and wish him well as he moves to Oregon. Submitted by J. Morgan Chapman.