During a state-of-our-club address President Dave Duncan and board directors highlighted accomplishments and challenges during the first half of the 2025-26 Rotary year.
Dave began by citing his personal strengths and weaknesses as president of a Rotary Club for the third time: Organization, communication, goals clarification and delegation are among his strengths. His weakness? After working in the hospital industry, he is not a hugger like past club President Lorna Cochrane.
Dave reminded members that their 112-year-old club runs like a small business with an annual budget of around $130,000. He highlighted the 32 goals in the club’s updated strategic plan. It is a roadmap for accomplishing Rotary International’s five areas of service. The backbone is the work of members serving on 12 committees and 36 subcommittees.
Norfolk Rotary Charities President LauraBeth DeHority reported that the club endowment managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation is valued at more than $846,000 -- a $40,000 increase over the previous year. She announced that in 2026, $40,000 is available for grants to area nonprofits working in the areas of mental health, advancing childhood literacy, and alleviating food insecurity. Members are encouraged to share information with area nonprofits. See article below for grant details.
President-elect Gary Bonnewell highlighted upcoming meeting speakers who are experts on China, rare earth minerals and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. He thanked Linwood Beckner for helping recruit engaging speakers.
Treasurer John Ehehalt reported that the financial goal of the club is to break even on finances each year. He explained club costs and revenue and that at the mid-point of the year the club has a net income of $3,200. But with a few expenses to be paid this month the budget will be off by $1,300. The budgeting process for the next fiscal year will start this month. With the club’s bookkeeper Robin Bailey retiring, her duties are transferring to Karen Grinnan, club administrator.
Past President Barbara Lipskis presented the slate of 2026-27 club officers, which was approved by the membership. Barbara is grateful several board members are staying on the board, which will provide continuity.
Bob Heely, administration director, thanked the house committee, greeters, chaplains, musicians, sergeant at arms, scribes and photographers who make meetings flow smoothly.
Ed Kellam, fellowship director, highlighted social activities, including the holiday party and wants to try different ways of engaging members around Rotary-centered events and welcomes suggestions.
Dave thanked Molly Thompson, public image director who could not attend the meeting, for conducting a member survey and increased social media efforts. He thanked Kelly Stefanko for taking photos and posting on social media. He challenged members to engage with the club on Facebook and LinkedIn to help gain more followers. Since August, posts with the most engagement were focused on activities like the holiday party, parade and service projects.
Kay Stine, membership director, reported that the club has 102 members, including 20 in the new companion club. Coming up is a new member orientation and a Discover Rotary event. She reminded members that they are the key to bringing in new club members and challenged them to invite guests during the March membership month. Rotarians bringing guests will be entered into a wine raffle.
Jeff Ryder, fundraising director, highlighted the club’s fundraisers -- the fall golf outing, spring Suds & Buds party, and monthly raffles. He announced May 7 as the date for the 2026 Suds & Buds party at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Marty Raiss, service director, highlighted the 11 local service projects the club has had so far. They were primarily focused on the current grant areas of mental health, childhood literacy and food insecurity. International service includes providing a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship for Ross Wood’s doctoral studies at Oxford University and plans for a water well for a village in Ethiopia.
Rob Sult, youth and vocational director, highlighted the Interact Club at Norfolk Academy and the Rotaract Club at Old Dominion University. He is working to establish an Interact Club at Granby High School. He is recruiting two area students to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards training in February. Rob thanked Michelle Nettles and other volunteers for all their work hosting two Dutch students this summer for the Thiel Youth Exchange. He noted that Career Day for high school seniors is happening soon.
Dave thanked parliamentarians Tom Ambler and Lorna Cochrane for their work with the club.
