Rotations October 7, 2014

President Whitaker started the meeting promptly at 12:30 pm with a moment of silence in honor of Morgan Trimyer, and then we proceeded to the Pledge of Allegiance and a beautiful invocation given by Bob Powell, who also asked us to keep Morgan’s family in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob Heely then commenced the singing and led us in a rendition of “Shine on Harvest Moon” (which I guess was in honor of the lunar eclipse later that night) then “Rotary a Grand Old Name” and finishing with “America the Beautiful.”

Ed Lilly (who was actually wearing socks at this meeting) brought us up to date with regard to Ken Weeks and Kelly Dickerson who are recovering but should be back soon.

Cy Grandy introduced our visitors- John Chittick, with two of his able college-aged assistants and Al Carmichael, with his son-in-law Ben; and then our newest Rotarian, Major Steve Long, and his wife, Connie.  A warm welcome to all.

Prez Sigur then announced the October birthdays and noted that Jerry Adams had turned 94 this month. It amazed the scribe of rotations that Gus Stuhlreyer, who happened to have a birthday on the exact day of the meeting, did not volunteer any happy bucks; perhaps it just slipped his mind.  Jerome Adamson    2

Skip Burton                      27

Bill Davis                         20

Bob Heely                         23

Dale Hower                       26

John Lynn                         11

Alan Nelson                        1

Lisa Sands                        27

Gus Stuhlreyer                    7

Bruce Wilcox                     8

Carlisle Wroton                15

Susan Donn then introduced Tommy Johnson, a lawyer with Wilcox and Savage.  Mr. Johnson has been tireless in his pursuit of providing a better education to the children not only of Norfolk but all Hampton Roads as well. The club then conferred upon him an honorary Paul Harris Fellowship. Upon receiving the award, Mr. Johnson was heard to say, “I am skeptical that I deserve it but I am at the age that when someone says something nice I accept it”.

Humility and hard work seem to be a recipe for many successful people. Thank you, Mr. Johnson.  Win Lewis also added that Mr. Johnson had a pass from attendance at church so he could continue “the work of the kingdom".

Skip Burton then introduced our newest Rotarian, Major Stephen Long, with the Salvation Army, and also introduced his wife, Connie. Combined they have more than 57 years of service to the Salvation Army. He also noted that Major Steve has been a Rotarian for almost 30 years with other clubs. Welcome to Major Steve and spouse Connie.

Happy Bucks were suspended for the day due to time constraints and we went right to our main speaker.  Irving Wells, the Rotarian of the day, did a fine job introducing our speaker Royce E. Curtin, Special Agent in Charge FBI Norfolk, Virginia. (The scribe would also note that while Mr. Curtin certainly looked like an FBI agent he was not nearly as dashing as Irv.)

Mr. Curtin first showed a short video on the history of the FBI going back to the very beginning with J. Edgar and then discussed what his duties were in Norfolk. The FBI's major focus in Norfolk is really on 6 different areas. (1&2)- Counter intelligence for espionage and trade secrets;

(3&4)- Counter terrorism for homegrown violent extremists and Syria related activities;

(5&6)- Criminal activities which would include public corruption (not in Virginia?)  and violent gangs.

During the discussion about how the FBI works with the local community Mr. Curtain referred to the "fine gentleman, Mr. Jack Kavanaugh". Upon hearing this description our own John (past president) Padgett was heard to say, "I know Jack Kavanaugh, Jack Kavanaugh is a friend of mine and Jack Kavanaugh is no gentleman". (Surely Prez Sigur will collect next week.) Anyway, it was a fine presentation by Mr. Curtin and we certainly thank him for his efforts to make the appearance and educate us on the evolving role of the FBI.

As a sort of P.S., I would just like to say how nice it was for the Rotary turnout at Morgan's funeral on Saturday. The church was full and it was heard in the parking lot that we should all desire to have a line of people as long at our visitation when we pass on. Oh, and one other comment, "he just made me smile".  A real testament to the man and the friend.

Respectfully submitted,

Scoops, Jr.