Laurie Harrison introduced Rotarian of the Day Lauren Kiger, a Rotarian for one year and who is expecting her second baby next month; Lauren then introduced our speaker, Mayor Ken Alexander.
After thanking us for allowing him to speak to his first audience since before Covid, and acknowledging that he has worked in some way with at least one person at every table in the room, Mayor Alexander outlined several ways that exemplify how Norfolk has stayed strong through the last year.
Unlike so many cities, Norfolk’s police, elected officials, and the administration listened and responded to concerns and high emotions during the time of protests last summer, and we experienced no serious incidents. We kept our AAA bond rating without raising taxes or fees by focusing on our core services. We have made critical investments in several areas, including $3 million in new money for schools, and increasing starting police salaries to $50,000, the highest in the region.
He then outlined a few priorities moving forward. Businesses have faced severe challenges, including workforce numbers and how to go forward safely. The Mayor’s priority is to help enable businesses to be open and functioning, whether in person, remotely, or a hybrid. Cybersecurity is a high priority, with the military, airport, and water systems specifically mentioned. Lifting restriction and returning to normal (whatever that means now!), and reviving the spirit of Norfolk.
Several great questions led to further discussion:
- The City has narrowed to 4 the number of proposals for the Military Circle area, and in discussion with other cities, is looking to make it a high-end, mixed-use entertainment and business destination.
- The City sees the Ward’s Corner area to Southern Shopping Center as a “gem” that can be refined, with perhaps a facility such as is at the Dam Neck sports complex.
- Concerning the issue of homelessness, the City hopes to partner more closely with agencies and non-profits to provide assistance and relief.
- Strong community policing is a proven strategy to address crime in the city.
Club Business:
For the Visitation report, Joe Massey informed us that Colin McKinnon’s daughter Kim, for whom we have been sending prayers for several weeks, continues to receive intensive care; and that Jason Drane’s child has been in the hospital at Duke.
Our next three meetings:
- July 6 at Towne Point Club
- July 13 at Norfolk Yacht and Country Club
- July 20 at Scope
After these meetings, we’ll have a presentation about the costs and pros and cons of each location, after which we’ll vote for a preferred meeting place.
Jim Presented a Rotary Challenge Coin to three Rotarians for their above-and-beyond service this year:
- Walt Sobczyk, for planning 25(!) outstanding service projects – and attending most of them himself
- Brian McGuire, who was not able to be here, for his amazing work with Rotations
- Sigur Whitaker, for her many roles filled with aplomb – Foundation Chair, Website guru, and – oh, yes – Area Governor
President Jim then awarded a surprised and thrilled Paul Harris Fellow to our Executive Secretary Lisa Barnes.
Fines and Happy Bucks:
- Sally Hartman, who is happy to be back together, and also that her husband Ron is finished with 45 days of proton therapy.
- Sigur Whitaker, who has just given her next book, Racing with Roger Penske, to her publisher; thanked Jim for his job as our President, and she is excited for her conversation with the Chancellor of her Beloved UNC and a recent get-together with local alums.
- Mal Branch, who is thrilled about the new airline launch of Breeze Airlines, and for his first out-of-town outing in over a year.
- Chris Bugg announced the graduation of his son.
- Chuck Spence, for UVA’s success to date in the College Baseball World Series
- David Brandt, whose daughter has just gotten engaged and whose son has just graduated from Mary Washington, and to announce that he’s moving back to Hampton Roads.
- Bruce Willcox, who retired on April 1.
- Michael Desplaines, announcing that the Botanical Garden just had its busiest day in history! He’s also grateful to Jim as our President and for the free parking today.
- Bryce Burton, whose son just graduated from high school. He also made the surprise announcement that he’s moving to Aventura, Florida.
- Linwood Beckner, who is thrilled to see long-time Rotarian Bill Jonak here today.
- Alan Nelson, to shout out to the University of Texas in the College Baseball World Series.