Besides serving as president of the Suffolk Rotary Club, Tuesday’s speaker, Donald Luzzatto, is Editorial Page Editor of our historic hometown newspaper, The Virginian-Pilot.  Don explained how his job works: the Pilot’s newsroom has nothing to do with crafting positions presented on the editorial page.  In addition, neither Don nor the publisher necessarily agree with those opinions.  What’s printed every day are opinions of the organization, The Virginian-Pilot as an institution.  The difference, Don stressed, is a subtle, but important one.

 

Every day, Don and his colleagues read hundreds of letters and columns from which they select a range of opinions.  He doesn’t always agree with what gets printed, “any more than you always agree with what your spouse says.”

 

As a Rotarian and as a citizen, Don said, he thought of our Four-Way Test as providing an equally positive guide for how members of an ethical organization operate.  Readers may not agree with their conclusions, Don said, but the Pilot always works “to write the truth, to advocate for things that are fair to all concerned and that help this community progress and improve.  We provide room for all points of view because it builds good will and better friendships, and because it helps us find solutions.  Ultimately, that’s beneficial to all concerned citizens of Hampton Roads.”

 

Don went on to describe a new feature, “OK Candidate,” that matches reader questionnaire answers and passions with those of a candidate.  “The idea is to help people narrow down which candidate to vote for.”

 

He also hopes to see that Hampton Roads—and the nation—will show interest in a new website that will be specifically and completely devoted to the issue of sea level rise.  The website will be rolled out in the next few months, and will be contain every piece of good journalism, research and illuminating commentary the Pilot’s editors can find.

 

Back to the topic of civility in an age of incivility, Don updated us on Verified Commenting, an Opinion page feature since 2010.  The program began in response to mean-spirited comments posted by internet trolls after every letter, column and editorial published by PilotOnline.  Pilot editors—and readers—had tired of vitriolic comments that not only were offensive, but failed to meet the Pilot’s high standards. 

 

The Pilot instituted a no-fee PayPal authorization process so that, before people could post comments, they had to prove their identity, to “own” what they said.  The initiative has proved very successful. 

 

With regard to public sharing of opinion, Don added, “civility is strong opinions, held in good faith, forcefully articulated, in opposition and competition.”  Don was critical of himself and anyone else (us included) who is capable of civil dialogue, yet avoid speaking out.  We may model civility and civil dialogue with our peers, and some also do that in the public sphere, Don stressed, “but it’s just not enough.”

 

We’re Rotarians. You—the people in this room—are the hope of this city, whether you admit it or not. This community and this nation, too. The world need more people who share the values of Rotary, who are invested in making this community better. Only we can do that.

 

You already do the good work. So let’s be bold. Let’s ask others to join us. Let’s ask others to help us. Rotarians know what to do when there’s work to be done. Let’s get to it.

 

 

Brand-new President Bryce sounded the gong and shared his desire that we would add recitation of our Rotary Four-Way Test to our meeting format.  Many could recite the words from memory; others felt fortunate that they were within eyesight of the banner hanging behind the dais!  Prez Bryce suggested that those who needed it might take a few minutes before the next meeting to review these words:

 

 

Song Leader of the Day Eleanor Schoonover noted that, although Independence Day had passed, there was no reason for us not to continue to celebrate our nation’s birthday.  In addition to singing “Rot’ry’s a Grand Old Name,” she inspired our rousing rendition of two verses of “America.”  Following the Pledge, Marty Raiss told us that some internet research helped her to be well-prepared for the day’s invocation; she shared some inspirational prose before offering a thoughtful grace.

 

Visitation Report: President Bryce updated us about our fellow Rotarian Roger Flagg, who is recuperating at home from a heart ailment.  Roger would appreciate visitors.

Guests were recognized by Steve Schultz.  There were no visiting Rotarians.

 

Announcements and Club Business 

Celebrated in song and with a visit from the Treasurer were our members with July birthdays: on the 5^th, William Burnette; on the 6^th, Dan Schaffer and Dean Thomasson; on the 8^th, Michael Desplaines, Dalton Dunbar and John Padgett; on the 9^th, Barry Kesser; on the 14^th, Jeff Wells; on the 15^th, Linwood Beckner; on the 16^th, Ben Mason; on the 25^th, Bill Jonak; on the 28^th, Harry McCoy (age: 94!); and on the 30^th, Diane Wallach.

 

Dona Overstreet introduced her work colleague and new Rotarian Jamie Wright.

 

Did you order a Rotary Baseball Cap?  Did you pick it up and pay for it?  Please see Jane Dembert.

 

Make-up reports for June are due to Jane Dembert by 12 July.

 

Dues & Meals Invoices have been emailed.  If you did not receive the email or need a printed invoice, please sign the list at the check-in table or contact Jane Dembert.

 

 

 

Weekly Raffle: Bill McInnis reported a daily pot of $12; Sharon Laderberg’s winning ticket gave her a chance at the $549 big pot, but her Ace of clubs let the big pot ride.