Rotarian Jim Kitz with Joseph Quartullo.
The Program
Rotarian of the Day and Vice President in Charge of Programs Jim Kitz introduced our guest, Joseph Quartullo with the U.S. Census Bureau. He outlined the history and current mission of the Bureau which was created in 1787. Authorized through Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, the original purpose of the census was to determine the number of representatives each state would receive in Congress, as well as the number of males available for military service.
To illustrate the dramatic shifts in population throughout the years, Mr. Quartullo noted that the first census in 1790 found that Virginia accounted for 12.4 percent of the population which has now dropped to 2.5 percent. Since then, additional information has been collected such as occupation, city of birth, education, and home ownership.
As the population grew and collecting vast amounts of information became more cumbersome, the Bureau restricted the information collected every 10 years, and then added what is known as the American Community Survey. It uses statistical calculations and is conducted every year, focusing on socioeconomic and demographic information.
The Meeting
Since it was Election Day, we kicked off the meeting with a rousing rendition of America the Beautiful and God Bless America, followed with the invocation by Bob Powell. We then honored some very deserving Rotarians for their generosity. First, we presented Bob and Erle Marie Latimer with an award for becoming major donors ($10,000 or more in giving) to the Rotary Foundation. Then, Gus Stuhlreyer and John Searing came forward to receive their Paul Harris +2 certificates.
November Birthdays and Anniversaries
BirthdaysOn the 5th, Robert Haynes; on the 11th, Barbara Lipskis; on the 21st, Jim Baker; on the 25th, Chip Vogan; on the 26th, John Searing; and on the 29th, Walt Sobczyk.
Wedding Anniversaries
Michael Desplaines & Jason Robinson, 14 years; Chuck & Elaine Spence, 22 years; Carlisle & Priscilla Baird-Wroton, 32 years; Cy & Edith Grandy, 35 years; Bill & Joyce Jonak, 63 years.
Date Joined Rotary
With one year of service in Rotary, Caleb Cooper, Jennifer Culver, Greg DeCinque, and Dianna Starkey; with two years, Jay Kossman, Bill Lehew and Ashley Molinaro; with three years, Rachel Bellis; with seven years, Barbara Lipskis; with eight years, Dean Rogis; with nine years, George Nottingham; and with ten years, Karen Gershman. Rotarians with over ten years' service: Mal Branch (16 years); Eleanor Schoonover (24 years); Colin McKinnon (25 years); Al Carmichael and Ray Norton (27 years); Ann Baldwin (30 years); and Bill Gresham (37 years).
Happy Bucks:
- Steve Schultz – his son got a job with Amazon and is coming back to Hampton Roads.
- Steve Jones – opened a new office at 120 Atlantic Street, Suite 300 in Norfolk.
- Bryce Burton and Sally Hartman – for a very successful Growl Fest.
- Shep Miller – for the 49th anniversary of his Larchmont Elementary School class.
- Diane Starkey – for the new season of the Virginia Arts Festival
- Chip Vogan and Chuck Spence – as thanks to President Pam for making space for them at the German Requiem, recently performed at Christ & St. Luke’s.
- Michael Desplaines – for his new car and recent conversion of his home to 100 percent wind power.
- Lois Kercher – for her brother’s 80th birthday.
- John Searing – just completed the Marine Corps Marathon, his 10th marathon and his wife’s first.
- Susan Donn – 54th wedding anniversary.
- Linwood Beckner – honoring his former 7th grade teacher, Bob Latimer.
- Joey Rothgery – to honor Walt Sobczyk for working so hard at the polls.
- John Padgett – encouraging members to volunteer for the upcoming leadership summit.
Following Happy Bucks, Tami Aloisa introduced Carol Olsen, executive director of Lee’s Friends, a support program for cancer patients and their families that offers person-to-person help and needed emotional and practical support. She was on hand to thank the club for its support of the organization through Suds ‘n Buds. She also gave everyone a glimpse into all the services Lee’s Friends’ 300+ volunteers provide, such as transportation to doctors’ appointments and therapy.
John Lynn wrapped things up with a Rotary Foundation Minute in which he described the history and mission of the Foundation.
No winner for the big jackpot, so it continues to grow.