Rotations August 4, 2015

...Another convivial luncheon sequestered in the Scope underground among friends and fellow members of the celebrated Norfolk Rotary Club, home of so many interesting and entertaining folk!  Among the Rich and Famous:  Nancy Joslin, our Area 14 "Governor".  Welcome to Norfolk, Nancy!  How nice to have you with us.

At the stroke of 12:31 pm, Lynne Berg embraced the microphone and with the assist of noted pianist and man-about-town, the infamous "Frank", led the assembled Members to open their song-books to page 10 and render a spirited verse of "Oh Give Me a Home".  It went well; and Lynne and Frank left the stage smiling broadly.  Jim Baker followed with a thoughtful Invocation prayer, before passing the microphone to Jean Owen for the "Visitation Report".  She noted that Bob Latimer was recovered and in attendance today.

Ann Baldwin, Greeter of the Moment, recognized Ms. Joslin and also welcomed guests John Garrett, Paul Hartman, and pastor Ben Alderson.  Ben Mason concluded by introducing his son, Brother Mason.

President Sally took a moment to introduce her own guest, Claudette Woodhouse, and to remark that three new members had been added to our Rotary roster and that our club's annual exchange program with the Thiel, Netherlands Rotary Club had been both busy and successful - a "fabulous" week for all who participated!

President Sally moved on to comment on a recent successful program, in cooperation with the Salvation Army, to collect and distribute writing materials to school children.  Birthday announcements generated some modest fines, followed by "Happy Bucks", which also required selected Rotarians to reach in-pocket and come up with a modest donation to the Club's charitable programs.

Will King was called upon to introduce Dick Trowbridge, a retired USN Supply Corps Captain, who now heads a program called "Horizons Hampton Roads", which is involved with Summer Learning and Enrichment for kids, K through 8th, in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach schools.  The program, one of 42 "Horizon" programs nation-wide, is currently serving 370 students, who would otherwise be idle and at odds during the summer season.  The theme of "Horizons" is Young Minds/Big Questions, focusing primarily on Math and Reading.  The local "Horizons" is partnered with Norfolk Collegiate School, Chesapeake Bay Academy, and Portsmouth Regional Catholic Schools.  Students attend 4 days a week, enjoy numerous field trips, and usually continue to participate, year after year.  Lunches, free or at reduced cost, are provided.  Staff includes local teachers, volunteers and interns drawn from graduates of the program.  The Program is popular and demand far exceeds capacity.

The meeting concluded with a "Lottery" drawing.  Jim O'Brien, holder of the winning lottery ticket, was given a chance to pull the 'Queen of Spades' from a deck of cards and take away a substantial sum, but lost his chance when he drew a minor card.  Too bad, Jim!!!

With that the meeting was adjourned and the crowd dispersed!  See you next Tuesday - at Scope!