Jeff Wells introduced the Rotarian of the Day, Barbara Lifland. Barbara has been a longtime member of our club and was previously the head of PrimePlus, the Senior Center. Barbara had an unfortunate encounter with an ink cartridge just before our meeting; the cartridge must have been very outraged to disgorge itself on Barbara’s favorite rug.
Barbara was happy to introduce one of our members, Chris Bugg. Most of us know that Chris graduated from the Naval Academy, but he also has two advanced degrees from Duke University. He was a pilot in the Navy and received the Bronze Star in 2007. He is working with Decisions.com, a software platform using artificial intelligence to automate ‘crazy hard projects.’ Chris is spearheading our annual fundraiser, Suds ‘n Buds.
Chris indicated that his goal for the meeting was to motivate us to sell Suds ‘n Buds. But, as he confessed, “I’ve never been to one.” Chris joined the club via Zoom when we had to cancel our annual event. He noted that this is the best after-work party ever! This year it will be on Thursday, May 19th, from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
Chris gave a shout-out to several sponsors who sent representatives to the meeting. Mike Coyle and Sheila Myles from Wegman’s and Trent Dudley from Southern Bank attended the meeting. Bob Batcher from Prime plus also noted that Michelle Nichols from Towne bank joined us.
The proceeds from the fundraiser are divided into thirds: one-third for Norfolk Rotary Charities, one-third for Norfolk Botanical Gardens, and one-third for Prime plus. Last year Norfolk Rotary Charities distributed over $50K in grants to community partners.
President Michael Desplaines recapped a summary of other fundraisers our club has supported over the years. The format of prior events relied mainly on getting members to contribute more money; in contrast, Suds ‘n Buds is marketed to the community and pulls in OPM (other people’s money).
In addition, it enhances our reputation as not only a community supporter but also a fun-loving group of people. President Michael showed a video of the modernization project for Norfolk Botanical Gardens, designed by Rotarian Clay Dills and scheduled to begin construction next month. There is a (roughly) 18-month plan for construction.
Past President Lorna Cochrane stepped up to inform us where Prime plus intends to spend its proceeds. Lorna is one of four Rotarians on the board of Prime plus; others include Marty Raiss, Joey Rothgery, and Bernie Cohen. The center is in an aging structure that needs some rejuvenation and refurnishing.
The Meeting
President Michael turned to Bob Heely for our singing; in honor of Mardi Gras Bob selected “Vive le Rotary” and then “America.” Following the Pledge of Allegiance and The Four-Way Test, Jim Sell offered the invocation which was a prayer for troubled times.
Visitation/Introduction of Visitors
Brian McGuire noted that Bob Archer had cataract surgery. He invited Barbara Lipskis to give us an update on Colin McKinnon’s daughter, Kris. (Kris was in a terrible accident last year and has been in rehab since.) Due to highly competent medical support and experimental options, Kris is making progress slowly. Colin and his family have engaged fully in all aspects of her case. As many of us know, there are multiple challenges with doctors, insurers, therapists, and lawyers. The individual who caused the accident was allegedly out on bail from a previous assault and under the influence. This is ongoing in Pennsylvania, which is why we haven’t seen Colin at meetings. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Other guests at our meeting included: Laura Beth DeHority and Jonathan Stanley, prospective members. Sally Hartman introduced Kennedy Henderson, an intern at Hampton Roads Community Foundation, who will assist us with Suds ‘n Buds administration.
Laurie Harrison introduced Gary Anderson, a retired educator who is interested in promoting literacy. Peter Schmidt (CFO of NBG) was President Michael’s guest. Janet Thompson and Jarool Davis were guests of Bob Batcher.
Club Business
President Michael announced that Richard Bolling Elementary was the School of the Week.
The first meeting of the month—and the first in-person meeting of the year—led to a long list of birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Chick Robison Mar 05 Irene O’Brien Mar 10 Colin McKinnon Mar 12 Dean Rogis Mar 13 Robert Archer Mar 17 Berhanu Mengitsu Mar 18 Bob Powell Mar 18 Sally Hartman Mar 27 Marty Raiss Mar 29 | March Anniversaries 58 years, Winston & Eunice Whitehurst Mar 01 | March Rotary Anniversaries 36 years, Roger Flagg Mar 01, 1986 33 years, John McLemore Mar 01, 1989 11 years, Diane Wallach Mar 15, 2011 |
Diane Wallach reminded everyone that the Tiel Exchange will recommence this year with a new twist: teens from both clubs will be traveling. This exchange has been going on since the early 1970s. Applications are on our website.
President Michael announced that we have been approved for an international Rotary grant to support a Water Project in Ethiopia. He thanked Eleanor Schoonover and Berhanu Mengistu for their dedicated efforts over the past three years to get this project implemented.
Happy Bucks & Fines
- John Cameron was happy to have his granddaughter visiting; she is studying at La Sorbonne in Paris.
- Tom Ambler celebrated a visit to New York City.
- Bob Ash had good news.
- Jonathan Stanley has a son engaged to be married.
- Jeff Wells was at his grandson’s ‘bris’
- Sharon Laderberg expects a new grandson next week so she will also be attending this traditional Jewish ceremony.
- Chris Bugg celebrated a Duke victory over UVA. There were more but the program had to go on.