Club President Message

Jim Kitz

member photo

 

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Norfolk – a vibrant group of community leaders who enjoy being part of southeastern Virginia’s oldest and largest service club.

Our nearly 130 members come from throughout Hampton Roads and share a passion for community service and fellowship. We value always learning something new, having fun and working together to make our community and world better. If I can help connect you to Rotary International and our club please let me know.

Club Meeting Information
Leaders Making a Difference at Home & Abroad
Norfolk

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:30 PM
Scope Arena Meeting Room
201 East Brambleton Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
United States of America
Phone:
(757) 622-7971
Email:
rotaryclubofnorfolk@gmail.com
Due to COVID 19, we are currently meeting by Zoom @ 12:30 P.M. the first three Tuesdays a month. See Calendar for details.
District Site
Venue Map
 
In the News

Hunton Y's New Warming Oven
 
The Hunton YMCA was one of the recipients of a Norfolk Rotary grant. With the grant, the Hunton Y purchased a much needed warming oven. During the pandemic, Chef Paul has been preparing meals for over 700 people daily. Pictured above are Rotarian Bill Moore, chef Paul's twin sister, Paula, Chef Paul and Norfolk Rotary president, Jim Kitz presenting the check. Below chef Paul is showing off some of the food prepared being kept warm in the warming oven.
 
Packing Food for 209 Families
 
Norfolk Rotarians gathered at the FoodBank of Southeastern Virginia and packed 209 boxes of food to be distributed to those in need. The food included canned vegetables, canned fruits, tomato products, pasta, protein including the ever popular peanut butter, canned meats, snacks, and condiments. Rotarians are "People of Action" even during the pandemic. Pictured above from the left are a Foodbank volunteer, Sigur, President Jim, Lorna and her husband Daniel, Jean (a friend of Lorna's), Tom and on the front row Clare and a Foodbank volunteer.

20 Nonprofits Awarded Grants
The Greater Hampton Roads Diaper Bank was among 20 area nonprofits recently awarded recently awarded $50,166 in grants from the Rotary Club of Norfolk. Funding came from Norfolk Rotary Charities, which is supported by club members' donations. The diaper bank works with 40 community partners to provide 480,000 free baby and adult diapers each year to area people in need. Pictured are board secretary Kerry Winter and Herb Erb, diaper bank coordinator.
 
Additional grant recipients are: American Red Cross of Coastal Virginia, The CHAS Foundation, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Children's Health Investment Program, Eggleston Services, Friends of the Norfolk Environment, Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast, Girls on the Run, Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Hospitality for the Homeless, Little Theatre of Norfolk, Norfolk Senior Center (Primeplus), The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command, Tidewater Community College, Tidewater Winds, Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop, Todd Rosenlieb Dance and William A. Hunton YMCA.

Food Distribution
 
Norfolk Rotarians gathered for a Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia food distribution. Over three hours, we participated in a drive through distribution of frozen chicken, potatoes, white and red onions, cabbage and apples to 126 families. Pictured above are some of those who participated including Clare and Jim Kitz, Walt Sobczyk, Lisa Barnes and Sigur Whitaker.

Remembering Barry Kesser
 
Barry Kesser was a Rotarian in spirit before he became a Rotarian. He would do anything to help people. He was a 40-year member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk and is fondly remembered for his upbeat nature, friendly greetings and always smiling. He was a member of the chaplains committee and his invocations were thoughtful and often included a Priestly Blessing.
     May the Lord bless you, and guard you.
     May the Lord make His face shine unto you, and be gracious to you.
     May the Lord lift up His face unto you, and give you peace.
 
A real estate developer and appraiser, he was well-known throughout Norfolk and Virginia Beach. He loved to race Hobie Cats, was an avid runner who participated in marathons, earned an amateur pilot’s license, and rode a motorcycle.  He was active in the community as the president of the Board of the Norfolk Board of Realtors, and served on the boards of Congregation Beth El, the Norfolk Public Library and the TOWN Foundation.
 
Chuck Spence and Barry were friends at Granby High School but drifted apart after Norfolk closed its public schools in the fall of 1958 and Barry transferred to Virginia Beach High School. Their paths crossed again at a tour of Norfolk Academy when their daughters were prospects for first grade. Their friendship was rekindled when Chuck joined Rotary. Chuck would join Barry and his son and grandsons at UVA football games where Barry would insist that Chuck join them for tailgating and sit with his family.
 
Barry was a devoted family man married to the love of his life, Kay.  They had three children and seven grandchildren who fondly called him “Papa Bear.” Barry is pictured above with Kay.
Speakers
Rich Salon and Mark Shaw
May 11, 2021
Two presentations: Rotary Works and Rotary Club of Norfolk Endowment
Member networking event
May 18, 2021
Show and Tell one special item you'd take with you when there is a hurricane coming!
Patrick Mullins, Director of Public Works
Jun 01, 2021
Virginia Stage Co.
Ricky Rahne, ODU Football Coach
Jun 08, 2021
ODU Football
View entire list...
Upcoming Events
View Our Last Meeting
Did you miss the last meeting? You can see it on our YouTube channel. 
 

Norfolk Rotary on the Go

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