Heather Mazzoni of WHRO and VP Pam Tubbs
The Program
Karen Gershman introduced our speaker, Heather Mazzoni, who currently serves as Vice President of Content of WHRO. She is responsible for local content as well as distribution of local programs to national platforms. She also oversees the strategic direction of television, radio and multi-platform content, children’s services, marketing and traffic. Somehow she finds the time to also host and serve as the Executive Producer of Curate. Heather has been with WHRO for over 20 years and her wide range of job titles and responsibilities gives her broad experience and a unique perspective on the organization.
Our speaker presented a blitz listing of the wide range of programs and services provided by WHRO. Although a beneficiary of the educational programming decades ago while in grade school, and one who often watches the programming on Channel 15, I had no idea of the wide ranging programming, platforms, shows, apps, etc.
WHRO is owned by 19 school divisions, and was started in 1961 to provide educational programming for classrooms. It continues this mission by its “Home Room One”, viewed by more than 286,000 students and 25,000 teachers. Most of its educational content is delivered online. It has also expanded its programming for children, including WHRO Kids and other programming available on its WHRO app.
WHRO receives only about 3% of its funding from these school divisions, which collectively provide about $500,000 in annual support apportioned between the school divisions at $2.00 per student. Other sources of funding include rental of space on its Driver towers and, of course, private donors and sponsors.
Channel 15 programming includes news and public affairs broadcasting as well as drama (e.g. “Downton Abbey”, “Victoria”, et al.), history and American experience shows such as those produced by Ken Burns, and the “Antique Road Show”. Talk shows hosted by Barbara Hamm Lee and Cathy Lewis are local favorites. Music and the arts are also a focus, including “Curate”, produced by our speaker.
Radio broadcasting is a big part of the WHRO programming, carried on 90.3 FM and WHRO 89.5 FM, and includes classical, jazz and alternative rock programming, and, of course, news and traffic and programs from NPR and PRI.
As a public service station, WHRO also produces public service programming, including radio reading services (the WHRO Voice), which includes reading of local newspapers as well as the NY Times. WHRO also has several veteran focused projects.
WHRO produces a wide range of programming for all ages on many topics. It provides a valued public service and earns our support daily.
The Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Pam Tubbs, standing in for President Gary Boswick, who was out of town on business. She called upon Eleanor Schoonover, accompanied by Frank Whitman on the piano, to lead us in song, followed by the “The Four Way Test”. Jim Sell offered an invocation and Irv Wells gave us a visitation report and update on Teddy Baker, who has returned home from Lake Taylor.
President Elect Pam recognized Chuck Spence for his long standing support of the Rotary Foundation and presented his PHF (2) pin.
John Searing introduced our guests, which included:
- Buddy Early of the Town Center Club;
- Pricilla Kirsh, guest of Pam Tubbs;
- John Cameron, guest of ChipVagar
Ms. Kirsh was also the lucky winner of the Suds & Buds raffle.
Former member, Charles Taylor, passed away on May 26, 2018, survived by his wife, Sharon Ryals-Taylor.Chuck was an active member of this club for many years.
Club Business
Update on club business, projects and activities included the following:
- Suds & Buds success was reported by Tami Aloisa. Final numbers will follow.
- Rachel Bellis reported on Norfolk Animal Care Volunteers and on the Save the Bay Day. She reported that Norfolk had over 900 participants, who collected over 8 tons of trash over 43 locations in our City for Save the Bay Day.
- Carlyle Wroton reported on the Golf Tournament recently held in Portsmouth with 21 participants.
- John Searing reported that with the grant funding and Rotary member support, over 75 “Smile Kits” were assembled/packaged and recently distributed.
- Jeff Wells reported on upcoming alternative activities, including sailing programs both to cruise and enjoy and to learn the basics of sailing.
- Sharon Laderberg also announced the Downtown Norfolk Scavenger Hunt was being rescheduled. Date to be determined.
Happy Bucks
- Under fines or “Happy Bucks”, Pam announced the June birthdays and imposed a 150% increase to $5.00 on those celebrating in June!
- Pam also recognized Eleanor Schoonover on her 44th anniversary, and Shep Miller on his 34th anniversary;
- Julie Keesling for her appreciation and support of the Rotary Foundation and having been a Rotary Scholar studying in Italy following college.
- Jim O’Brien gladly paid a fine for announcing that his medical tests were negative, great news!
- Winston Whitehurst offered his “Happy Bucks” on Virginia’s passage of Medicaid expansion.
- Bryce Burton, as a proud dad, announced his daughter’s graduation from Norfolk Academy and anticipated enrollment at LSU.
Following our program, the winning raffle ticket was pulled and Susan Donn came forward to claim the prize for Linwood Beckner.
Next week’s meeting will feature James Zobel, Archivist for the MacArthur Memorial.