Norfolk Rotary's Board of Directors with District Governor Susan Z-W
The Program
Rotarian of Day Area District Governor David Rosenthal introduced the speaker Susan Zachensky-Walthall, new District 7600 Governor. Affectionately known as Susan Z-W, she graduated from ODU and worked for over 35 years as an instructor and women’s basketball coach at ODU, Virginia Wesleyan, CNU and Sonoma State University in California. Susan has held many NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee positions. Susan’s home club is Lawrenceville and resides with her husband, Zach, on the shores of Lake Gaston in Valentines, VA.
While a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa, District Governor Susan was injured in a bad car accident which kept her in the hospital and rehab for months. The outpouring of support from fellow club members, that carried her through to recovery, is her transformational Rotary story.
District Governor Susan brought greetings from 2018-19 Rotary International President Barry Rassin whose theme is: “Be the Inspiration.” Susan noted that Barry strongly believes that an inspired club is a club that will push forward. And we need to remove the barriers that are holding them back, making it easier for people to start new clubs that suit their needs, for Rotaractors to start their own Rotary clubs and for all Rotarians to have the flexibility to serve in the way that works for them.
The Meeting
President Pam issued a warm welcome to all followed by musical accompaniment from Bob Heely and Frank Whitman. An invocation was provided by Chuck Spence.
Visitation report from Jim Baker indicated that Joe Massey is progressing well in rehab at Harbor Edge.
Dalton Dunbar facilitated guest introductions as follows: Pamela West, president, Norfolk-Sunrise Club, Linda Griffin, immediate past president Virginia Beach Club, Hearst Vann, president Virginia Beach Club; John Cameron, Ph.D. (Chip Vogan) and Kim Finley (Sally Hartman).
President Pam is a new Charles Woodard Fellow, an award which recognizes contributions to our Norfolk Rotary Endowment. Bill Davis and Marilyn Gowen were both recognized for their donations to The Rotary Foundation as Paul Harris Fellows+1.
Ashley Molinaro requested that school reading volunteers get required background checks. Lisa Chandler took a quick poll on preferred evenings for social events. Marty Raiss encouraged members to take digital photos and submit to maximize publicity.
Happy Bucks: Fines announced at the meeting:
- Greg Bockheim, article in the Virginian-Pilot on July 8,
- Collins Gooch wedding anniversary,
- Chuck Spence, birth of 12th grandchild,
- Lisa Chandler, birth of 1st grandchild,
- Walt Sobczyk, trip to Scandinavia/Spain,
- and Rachel Bellis, PETA musical instrument swap for free spay/neuter.
A book will be donated in District Governor Susan’s honor to school of the day, Ruffner Academy.