Lois Kercher introduced Patrick Mullins, the Director of Public Works for the Virginia Stage Company. This is the Stage Company’s Public Outreach Program and uses all the resources to reach the community.
It combines the artist from the Company with the talents of the community to share life experiences and artistic performances. The lines blur between the artist and the community as people work together to entertain. On the staff at Access Virginia are the deaf artists that perform using sign language to entertain those that might not have had that experience before.
The artists have lots in common with the community they perform in. Similar ages and abilities bring people together. The artists spend time there, they provide tours of the theater and give the behind-the-scenes perspective. For the visually impaired they have touch-tours, to allow those that are unable to see the costume and the sets to feel the textures and the sizes.
The Stage Company did not let COVID slow them down, they transitioned to Zoom and the outdoors and continued to engage the community. Last summer they had a virtual Camp while this year they are ready for the in-person camp to return. Last year they had a Christmas Carol Escape (like the Escape Room challenge) both virtual and live performances that were interactive.
They worked on Project ODY called “Do you know me?” about age and race. They practice skills required for actors such as thinking, breathing, and timing. But they found these same skills were important for people to maintain composure in difficult situations. They also have a dance theater that put on a Filipino Dance, and another show focused on the History of Hampton Roads and a puppet theater.
Patrick thanked the club for the grant we provided the company, it allowed for a professional costume person to make professional garments for the performers. They also need volunteers, maybe an opportunity for future community service.
They also donated a set of tickets for any future performance that Joe Massey generously outbid other members during the short auction. Everyone noticed the energy and enthusiasm from Patrick during the presentation, he truly loves what he does and loves promoting the Stage Company
The Meeting:
Since we are a singing club, John leads us in song, singing Working on the Railroad and Battle Hymn of the Republic. He added some history behind the songs. A few minutes later Jim Baker gave us an invocation.
Joe Massey provided the Visitation report which included Chris McKinnon still progressing toward recovery. President Jim added news about Ann Morgan that she is steadily improving.
President Jim announced the Birthdays, Wedding Anniversaries, and Rotary Anniversaries (ranged from 1 year to 50+ years).
Club Business:
On June 15th at 1200PM, Mayor Alexander will talk to the club at the Towne Pointe Club. This will be an in-person meeting. The Club is paying for the meal but RSVPs are required by emailing rotaryclubofnorfolk@gmail.com . On July 6th there is another in-person club meeting at the Town Point Club for the installation of officers. Please remember to RSVP if you are attending to the previous email.
Two community service events coming up. On June 5th at 830AM, we will be at Sarah Constant Park (300 W Ocean View) for a cleanup. Meeting in the east parking lot along Ocean View. On June 11th at 830AM we will be assisting St Paul Community Food Distribution at 645 Church St (parking lot across from the Brambleton Post Office). We will be directing the cars and loading the cars with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat. This is an outside event.
The last bit of business came from Past President Lorna. She announced that Ms. Lisa Barnes will be leaving as the Executive Secretary but would ensure there was a smooth transition. She asked that if anyone knew of someone interested in the position, to please contact her, President Jim, or President-Elect Michael Desplaines.
Happy Bucks and Fines:
- Celebrity Eleanor Schoonover was at the WestPoint Cemetery to clean headstones and gardens.
- Marty Raiss gave thanks for her time with family and friends in Key West, and for the Duke and ODU baseball wins.
- Bill Lehew gave thanks for the Lacrosse win.
- Angela Kearns for the JMU worlds series win.
- President Jim gave thanks for another win for the U.S. Army baseball team. President Jim thanked Breeze airlines for nonstop flights to Charleston SC to be able to visit his newlywed son.
- John Cameron was celebrating a wedding in New Orleans.
- Laurie Harrison was happy about her sister moving to Virginia Beach.
- Chris Bugg appreciated Pres Jim’s reminder that his anniversary was coming up.
- Tom Ambler gave thanks for being able to get out and work at the shot clinic.
- Jeff Wells gave thanks for 40 years in Rotary and all the great people he has met.
- Lorna Cochrane for volunteering at the PGA tournament and working at the Rotary sponsored hole.
- Lois Kercher was thankful for five grandchildren.
- Sally Hartman also helped out at the PGA tournament and appeared on the Golf Channel.
School of the Week: Willoughby Elementary School
Adjourned: 1:35 pm