Founded in 1914 in Virginia

Looking to Our Region's Future

Posted by Julie Keesling on Apr 18, 2017
 
Dr. James Oliver and Bob Powell (r)
 
 
The Program
Bob Powell introduced our speaker, Dr. James B. Oliver, chairman emeritus of the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement, by reading the resolution naming him Norfolk’s most recent First Citizen. Jim Oliver has a long and distinguished career. But he did not dwell on the past so much as focus on the future. He cited the book The Metropolitan Revolution in discussing the plight of cities and urban concentrations. He also invoked Dolly Parton, who said “Find out who you are and do it on purpose,” to encourage his audience to be bold about re-conceiving our future.
 
Jim exhorted our region to “declare a distinctive, differentiated vision rooted in shared values and expectations, economic thinking and good data.” Our competitors are Shenzen, China, Marseilles, France, Sao Paolo, Brazil, and Mumbai, India. Now that’s a global vision!
 
He believes adults are notoriously resistant to learning. But learning is what we need to embrace in order to create innovative districts. Jim was not optimistic that our rather staid mentality would be able to adapt enough to evolve and prosper. He thinks we need a game-changer, a new vision, and an ‘uber network.’ But, in the end, it’s in our hands.
 
Chip Vogan asked Jim how we could be moved. The answer: broadband, sea level rise, ‘beach music’ which bridges left and right brains.
 
Shep Miller asked about centralizing local city governments. Jim suggested that Rotary Clubs might be a great neutral place to start by writing a vision statement. If people can dream up a single government, then maybe it can be created. He spoke about the assets that we already have: world class museum, zoo, botanical gardens, major university, symphony, etc.
 
Bob Heely asked about our region's geography and how it hurts us. Jim pointed out that we have the world’s finest natural harbor. We need to love it!
 
The Meeting
Pam Tubbs led us in singing “Take me out to the Tides game…” and “America the Beautiful.” Eleanor Schoonover invoked Winston Churchill on the importance of serving others. President Bryce Burton reminded us of The Four Way Test. Our school of the week is Lindenwood Elementary.
 
Visitation/Introduction of Visitors
Bob Powell informed us of Sally Hartman’s condition due to a bleeding ulcer caused by taking Aleve when she had the flu (she was in Sentara). He also updated us on Roger Flagg.
Dean Rogis introduced visitors. Anthony Mia brought Shira Turner, development officer from the American Red Cross. “T” Oliver was in attendance to hear his brother Jim speak.
 
Announcements
  1. Sign Get Well Card for Sally Hartman; Condolence Card for former member Jean Major whose husband died recently
  2. TCC Interact club is holding it first meeting this Thursday.
  3. Dues and Meals invoices have been emailed out.  If you did not get an email or need a printed invoice, please sign the list at the check in table or contact Jane Dembert.
  4. Please make your annual donation to The Rotary Foundation soon.  EREY!!!
  5. Suds & Buds: There will be beverages: 6 breweries, 5 wines for tasting.
 
Upcoming Events:
April 25 at 10:30 – 11:30 am: Fink’s Jewelers tour
April 25 at 12:15 – 1:30 pm: Lunch at Virginia Club
May 8 at 4:30 pm:  Rotary Board Meeting at Kaufman & Canoles board room
May 19 at 6:00 – 10:00 pm: Suds & Buds at the Norfolk Botanical Garden
May 23 at 12:30 – Annual Golf Outing at Elizabeth Manor in Portsmouth
 
Happy Bucks & Fines
Bernie Cohen was happy to contribute in celebration of his 88th birthday.
Sharon Laderberg was happy to report that Delta changed her flight without dragging her off the airplane first.
Lois Kercher was happy to report that ODU basketball star, Jennie Simms, was selected in the WNBA draft to play for the Washington Mystics.
Bill Lehew was happy to report that he was first in line at the Post Office to submit his tax documents (on the last possible day).