Rotarian of the Day Alan Nelson introduced our speaker, Mr. Kevin Lyles. Alan is a native of Texas and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin. He started his 43-year career with the Federal government in Houston, transferred to D.C., and eventually to Norfolk, where he retired as the Eastern Group Manager for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Alan and his wife Linda have 4 children. He has been a Rotarian since 1986.
Our speaker on June 6, 2023, was Kevin Lyles, the Community Education Coordinator for Lifenet Health. Lifenet Health is the leading provider in the United States of transplants with over 42,800 performed in 2022, a new record for their organization. Lifenet has invested considerable resources in completing multiple clinical studies to ensure positive patient outcomes.
We learned transplantable organs are the heart, lungs, kidneys (over 50% of all transplants), liver, intestine (small), and pancreas. Transplantable tissues are eyes, ligaments, heart valves, veins/nerves, skin, and bones. Of the transplantable organs, kidneys can be kept in transferable condition for the longest (24 to 76 hours) after removal from a donor due to the new ability to hook up a kidney to a machine that can allow a longer time. New technology is now allowing some organs to be sterilized to work with any blood type rather than being restricted to a recipient having the same blood type as the donor.
Transplant recipients are selected today by an algorithm that considers many factors including their blood type, tissue type, donor size/weight, length of time they have been on the waiting list, the clinical condition of the recipient (for example life expectancy), and distance from the donor.
Lifenet is always looking for individuals willing to register as a donor. To learn more about being an organ and/or tissue donor, their website is https://www.lifenethealth.org/index.php/community-resources/register-as-a-donor.
We learned transplantable organs are the heart, lungs, kidneys (over 50% of all transplants), liver, intestine (small), and pancreas. Transplantable tissues are eyes, ligaments, heart valves, veins/nerves, skin, and bones. Of the transplantable organs, kidneys can be kept in transferable condition for the longest (24 to 76 hours) after removal from a donor due to the new ability to hook up a kidney to a machine that can allow a longer time. New technology is now allowing some organs to be sterilized to work with any blood type rather than being restricted to a recipient having the same blood type as the donor.
Transplant recipients are selected today by an algorithm that considers many factors including their blood type, tissue type, donor size/weight, length of time they have been on the waiting list, the clinical condition of the recipient (for example life expectancy), and distance from the donor.
Lifenet is always looking for individuals willing to register as a donor. To learn more about being an organ and/or tissue donor, their website is https://www.lifenethealth.org/index.php/community-resources/register-as-a-donor.
The Meeting
Sigur Whitaker led the music including the book slapper we all like “You’re a Grand Old Flag”.
Marty Reiss gave the invocation which was President Roosevelt’s prayer for the June 6, 1944 invasion force that they would rid the world of the evil tyranny in Europe and lead us to a more peaceful world.
Lauren Kiger was not available to give the visitation report, but President Laurie reported to her that there was good news in that she did not have many situations to relate to. Of sad news to report, Bob Archer passed away last week from cancer complications. A moment of silence was observed.
Introduction of Guests – Mark Shaw was not available for introduction, but President Laurie reported two (2) guests:
- Elizabeth Pasqualini – guest of President Laurie and a member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club
- Dave Pardy – guest of Susan Donn who has moved here from Sarasota, Florida, and is a neighbor of Susan’s at Harbor’s Edge
Many thanks to all the members that brought guests!
Club Business
- President Laurie Harris reminded members of the upcoming end-of-year social at Chick Robison’s house, 5:30-8 pm on Thursday, June 29th.
- Thanks to everyone who attended the District 7600 End Polio Now Tides Baseball game, we had 21 people attend.
- Thanks to Suds and Bud's committee and all who volunteered and helped make it a successful event last month. Revenues ($58K) less expenses ($20K) yielded $38K for charities.
- The next board meeting is June 12 at 5 pm
- Please vote on the proposed amended bylaws for the Rotary Club of Norfolk by June 13
- Committee lists were on tables, please make your choices by June 15 and give to Club Secretary Karen
- New member induction – Hank Thompson sponsored by Chip Vogan and mentored by Joe New
Fines and Happy Bucks
- President Laurie reported to Michael Desplanes that he will be accepting a new job position in California.
- John Searing celebrated that his daughter accepted a medical position.
- Marty Reiss celebrated safe travels from a trip to Key Largo in Florida and rendezvousing with 10 old friends.
- Chip Vogan celebrated 55 years of marriage and attended a recent college reunion.
- Linwood Beckner celebrated the sale of their residence.
- Sigur Whitaker celebrated recently by speaking at an Automobile Society and that she will be making a trip to London, England with her church choir.
- Alan Nelson celebrated 34 years of marriage.
- Jeff Wells celebrated a safe return from the Rotary Convention in Australia.