Jeff Wells reminded us that this was his final program as Vice President – Of programs. He introduced the Rotarian of the Day Major Donnie Dohmann. Donnie joined our club in April 2021 but has a history of joining Rotary Clubs at his postings with the Salvation Army. He and his wife, Major Laura Dohmann, currently serve as Area Commanders of The Salvation Army of Hampton Roads. Donnie introduced our speaker Mel Price from Work Program Architects. Mel and her firm have a focus on Urban Design and are currently working on the St. Paul’s Area Transformation Project.
Two major goals of the Transformation Project are to convert the St. Paul’s area public housing units into a mixed-income community and to remediate the flooding issues that plague the area. Ms. Price gave some details of the People First Program which is focused on assisting residents displaced by the project. Over 50% of displaced families plan to move back when the project is completed. The program has an annual budget of $3,500,000 and is well staffed with 1 employee for every 20 families served.
Current Residents have been included in the planning process. Some of their concerns that are being addressed include:
- Flood Remediation
- Church Street Restoration
- Connect the community to the rest of Norfolk
- Create neighborhood amenities – greenspace/parks
A virtual aerial and walking tour was presented of the completed project. Phase 1 is required to be completed by 2025 to retain HUD funding. The entire project is expected to last several decades. The Hunton YMCA, an organization important to our club, can keep its current building but Ms. Price mentioned that there are better choices of location anticipated. Needless to say, there were many questions from the audience.
Club Business
Vice President Jeff Wells called the meeting to order and Eleanor Schoonover led us in music. After the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test, Joe New gave the invocation. He also told the club that this was Bill McInnis’s final meeting. Bill has been a long-standing member of our Club and ran our raffle which benefits Norfolk Rotary Charities. THANK YOU BILL!
There was not a visitation report given.
There were several guests at the meeting. Al Carmichael had each Rotarian introduce their guest (s).
- Jeff Wells introduced Kaelin Hammond, Donna Calvert, and Sherry Wells
- Donnie Dohmann introduced two Salvation Army Cadets, John, and Candy Lawrence
Vice President Jeff Wells announced the School of the Week was Little Creek Elementary School. The book, when you Trap a Tiger, will be donated to the school in commemoration of Mel Price’s presentation today.
Treasurer Barbara Lipskis reminded the club that the semi-annual club invoices would be coming out in July. They will be delayed due to some details that still need to be finalized. She also mentioned that 17 members have past due invoices from January and asked that these be made current before the next ones are sent.
Vice President Jeff enthusiastically inducted two new members to our Club:
- Patricia Raxter was sponsored by Sally Hartman
- Jim Tucker was sponsored by Jeff Wells
We welcome both of our new Rotarians to our club and look forward to getting to know them better in the weeks and months ahead.
In Bill McInnis’s final Raffle there was $7 in the daily pot and $448 in the Big Pot. The Scribe missed who the winner was but can report that the Big Pot is still safe.
Fines and Happy Bucks
Fines and Happy Bucks were not held so that there was more time for the Program.
Next Meeting