The Program:  Lois Kercher introduced her childhood friend Cheryl Harbour, author of Good to Be Grand, a new book about making the most of your grandchild’s first year. Cheryl, a Chicago resident who enjoys spending time in our region, began her talk by asking who among us were grandparents. Not surprisingly, lots of hands went up. Gus Stuhlreyer won a free book for having the youngest grandchild. After a career of writing as a journalist and corporate communications specialist, Cheryl was prompted to write this book when she learned her first grandbaby was expected. To prepare for her new role as grandmother, she searched for an up-to-date manual on grandparenting. When she did not find any, she wrote her own manual. 

 

Good to Be Grand includes current information on baby care and child development. It also addresses the unique role of grandparenting, which is different from parenting.

 

For example:

·         The parents choose the baby’s doctor. The grandparents need to know how to reach the doctor.

·         The parents will choose a car seat. The grandparents need to know how it works.

·         The parents will develop a plan for introducing the baby to solid foods The grandparents need to know what they’ve decided in order to prepare for a grandchild’s visit.

 

There are 4,000 new grandparents in the U.S. every day.  By 2020, one in every three people will be a grandparent. It has been said it is the most important role of this century. Cheryl closed her talk with a few of her golden rules of grandparenting. 

 

1.      Trust your children who have just become parents. They know more than you think and they have the same powerful parental instincts you had.

2.      Even if you have some doubts, don’t display them. Act as if you trust them more than perhaps you do.

3.      Enjoy who you are at this very moment. Having raised your own children, you know how quickly the time goes. Revel in the experience of grandparenthood!

 

Following the ringing of the bell, Chip Vogan, accompanied by Frank Whitman on piano, led us in “My Grandfather’s Clock” and that favorite book-slapper,  “A Grand Old Flag.”  In accordance with tradition we followed with the Pledge of Allegiance and a thoughtful invocation by Win Lewis. (See article below for details on how two of our members were honored for their support of the Rotary Foundation).

 

Visitation Report by Ann Baldwin let us know that Jane Dembert has finished her radiation and now it is a wait and see. Roger Flagg was reported to be at Sentara Leigh recovering from a bout of dehydration. Also, it was reported that Joe Massey was having some foot issues.  We wish each of you speedy and complete recoveries.

 

Visitors: Jamie Wright, who will become a member in the next couple of weeks, was introduced by Linwood Beckner.  Barbara Lipskis brought Kay Stine who works with President Sally at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.  Former member Jim Sell, and his wife, Ellen, were with us.

 

There were reports of Harbor Fest (about 25 volunteers showed up) and the golf outing to the Eastern Shore (Scoops (Bob Powell) actually won money from Carlisle Wroton – Carlisle had spotted Scoops 27 strokes and he barely won even with that edge).  We were reminded that the Polio Plus Tides game is scheduled for July 27^th with tickets only $13.  See Bill McInnis, Jane, or the web site for ticket info.  We were reminded of a number of other upcoming events including the officer hail and farewell on June 21^st.

 

Fines, Congratulations, and Happy Bucks included: