It was like two Rotary Club of Norfolk meetings in one on July 11 with Rotary District 7600 Governor John Padgett installing the new 2017-18 club officers followed by featured speaker Dr. Antipas Harris sharing ideas for improving relationships in Norfolk among diverse people.
John administered the oath of office for new club President Gary Boswick and recalled how his year as club president in 2011-12 was "one of the greatest journeys I have had." John encouraged Gary and the new board members to have a great time guiding the club while upholding traditions and finding new and better ways of operating. Gary thanked John for introducing him to Rotary by recalling how John invited Gary to a Rotary luncheon where his name was already on the ballot for membership. Gary also presented a past president pin to his predecessor, Bryce Burton, who gave Gary the vintage president's pin to guard during his year.
John updated the club on the September 22-24 Rotary District Conference being held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. A '70s party theme, competition for best craft beers and great speakers will be part of the conference. Sigur Whitaker is helping John plan the conference, which has the theme: "A Little Bit of Rotary, a Whole Lot of Fun." Registration details will be available soon.
Antipas Harris, the featured speaker, is a founder of the Urban Renewal Center and the Norfolk Senior Pastors' Roundtable, which includes religious leaders from all faiths. He is a Regent University theology professor and theologian-in-residence at First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. He volunteers with the Norfolk Police Department on weekend clergy patrol to help diffuse tense situations. He earned degrees from LaGrange College, Emory University, Yale University and Boston University. Antipas was the first of three speakers including an imam and rabbi, we will have this year to explore cross-cultural understanding from different viewpoints.
Antipas reminded his audience of nearly 100 Rotarians and guests that "times are changing. By 2050 our country will be more diverse than ever, and minorities will be the majority." In a talk focused on "bridging the broader community" to improve tolerance and understanding of diverse people, he made these key points:
- Norfolk with 50% black residents and 50% white residents is the perfect place to end racism. The city has the opportunity to move ahead with optimism and be a beacon across the country.
- To advance community relations we have to share and affirm people's stories of being discriminated against in the past and then move ahead to write new narratives.
- Breaking down silos of business, government and religion can improve situations.
- We need to remember that all people have one thing in common: They are human beings with "buckets of tears, joys, hope, desires and ambition.... When I spend time with a Muslim, I am spending time with a human being," Antipas said.
- You can't have a bright future by living in the past. Moving beyond that may involve uncomfortable conversations that people need to have with those different from themselves.
Announcements
- Three Rotarians were honored for their extraordinary support of The Rotary Foundation. Edna Baerhe-Kolovani is a Paul Harris Fellow +2, Barbara Lifland is a +3, and Wayne Shank is a +4.
- We welcomed three guests: Jennifer Woodward (Ann Baldwin's daughter), Bryce Burton (son of past president Bryce) and Adia White (Sally Hartman's colleague)
- Club dues are due. Please pay them.
- Bill Jonak is recuperating and heading to a beach vacation in Sandbridge with 27 family members in two houses.
- Gene Justice is in good spirits while having medical treatment.
- Rotary Night at the Tides stadium is Monday, July 24. Bill McInness will leave pre-paid tickets at the will-call window at Harbor Park. PolioPlus will benefit from a portion of each Rotary ticket sold.
- Dr. Steve Jones won $16 in the daily raffle.
Congratulations and Fines to Support Our Charities
- Marilyn Gowen celebrated her daughter's wedding.
- Edna Baehre-Kolovani had an op-ed piece in the Pilot highlighting career training options instead of a four-year college degree.
- Collins Gooch and his wife Karen celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary.
- Dyteya Lewis paid for her phone ringing in last week's meeting.
- Bob Ash is proud to have sponsored new District Governor John Padgett for club membership. He hopes he doesn't have to stand every time John enters the room.
- Lisa Chandler thanked Past President Bryce Burton for leading our club last year.
- Pam Tubbs celebrated 39 years of marriage to Ace Tubbs.