The Program:
VP of Programs Laurie introduced Kelly Stefanko. Kelly has been a member of the NRC for four years. She loves the people and consider the club members her second family. A fun fact about Kelly is that she has been working from home for 10 years for the federal government, she said welcome to the “work from home club”. Kelly was recruited to the NRC by Sally Hartman. Kelly introduced our speaker – Jeremy Ross.
Kelly first met Jeremy in 2018 from the League of HR. Jeremy has a long and diverse career, although you wouldn’t know it by looking at his under 40-year-old “baby face.” Jeremy is a very successful VP of strategy and development for Bonaventure, happily married, and has three son age 5, 3, and 11 months.
In additional to all of those successes Jeremy is also a renowned author of several books including his recent fictional story – The Life and Tryals of the Gentleman Pirate, Major Stede Bonnet. Jeremy jokingly said “my middle initial is pronounced “Rrrrrrr”.”
When Jeremy lived in the Algonquin neighborhood, he would take his son on fun excursions, they often enjoyed time at Slover Library or other favorite spots, one of which is Three Ships Coffee House, located directly behind WRV in Virginia Beach.
This is where he began his fascination with Major Stede Bonnet. His newest book is a true story of this lesser known pirate. It has all the aspect of a good story: failed relations, murder, mid-life crisis, politics, excessive drinking – mostly of rum, a lot of trials and tribulations, longings and isolations. Jeremy said “basically, it’s just like isolation during a pandemic.”
Jeremy’s presentation was a treasure trove, pardon the pun, of Barbados and Virginia history including The Golden Age of Piracy (1650-1730). Jeremy said, “There are many missing links in history regarding pirate’s lives, which have been romanticized for years.”
The presentation encompassed several very cool slides including a maritime map called John Smith of Virginia map, a Google location map of the Lynnhaven Inlet and he highlighted where the pirate’s ships sailed.
Jeremy shared a fun speculation, it’s possible that Blackbeard and Bonnet would have visited Pleasure House Tavern. He explained why pirates wore eye-patches, are said to say “rrrrr”, and the origins of “walk the plank.” Jeremy quoted “No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail…” For more fascinating tales visit www.authorjeremymoss.com
The Meeting:
Jim rang the bell to begin the meeting. Chuck lead the club in singing “Sing Rotarian and America.” Jim led "The Four-Way Test," followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Jim Baker gave the invocation.
Visitation Report: Joe Massey open this to the floor for visiting updates. Chuck asked for prayers for his grandson as he goes through a bone-marrow transplant this week.
Introduction of Guest: no guests today.
Announcement and Club Business:
- Jim acknowledged Chris Bugg as a new member, he received his blue badge.
- Sigur announced Saturday, 10/24 is World Polio Day, check your email for information on how to get involved. NRC will add 4100 to your donation, visit myrotary.org.
- Jim announced the holiday social planning is in the works. Pam is looking for venues that are open and airy and will allow for a socially safe event.
- Jim asked everyone to “Be Kind” at the next meeting as Michael Displaines will sit in for him on 11/2.
- Jim announced the availability of Rotary t-shirts for sale. Email Jim if you’d like one (red or purple) - $19 which includes a $1 donation to the End Polio Now campaign
Happy Bucks/Fines
- Sigur’s dog barked during her announcement so Jim fined her $5
- Jim paid a $5 fee for starting the recording late, and $5 for the army’s 5 to 1 record
- Pam gave $10 + $2.45 happy bucks for the US Navy’s 245 birthday, Jim cheered “Anchor’s Away”
- Joe Massey fined Jim $3 for saying “Anchor’s Away”
- Eleanor, Chris, and Chip all gave $10 happy bucks for the Navy