President Gary Boswick (left) with speaker Don Luzzatto and Joey Rothgery.
The Program
Our speaker was Don Luzzatto, vide president for civic engagement at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Don is a dedicated Rotarian and past president of the Suffolk Club. His topic was “Civic Engagement in an Un-Civil Time”. Social media and the prevalence of digital communication have created a disconnect between people and their community. Using digital media has allowed people to avoid confrontation and spread un-civil commentary.
Civic engagement is a broad and important topic and is essential in a healthy democracy. Public participation, discussion and debate are all part of this. In an earlier time it was easy to have a wide-ranging discussion even if participants didn't agree. This is important in democracy, which only works when we practice civic engagement.
Why is the Hampton Roads Community Foundation in involved in this? It believes in this work, believes in the region and that civic engagement is fundamental to the mission of a community foundation. It is doing it because no one else is doing it ,and it needs to be done.
What can engagement do?
- Identify and solve problems
- Rebuild civic capacity
It is important not to dwell on negatives. We need to expect great things to happen in our community. The community foundation will fill the need to champion equity, justice and opportunity. This is an essential part of the community foundation’s mission and involves many conversations with many stakeholders.
How will the Hampton Roads Community Foundation do this?
- Community surveys
- Polling
- Focus groups
- Conversations
To take action after doing research, the community foundation can be a funder, a convener and a conversation facilitator. The Hampton Roads Community Foundation will choose to be part of helping solve big problems in our region where it believes in can make a difference.
The Meeting:
The meeting opened with signing of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “America the Beautiful” (3rd verse)
Visitation Report:
- Barbara Lipskis is recovering from her broken leg acquired on a recent ski trip to Park City, Utah. She was surprised when her emergency room physician announced he was an Eastern Virginia Medical School graduate.
Happy Bucks and Fines:
- Sigur Whitaker announced that her latest book, The Indianapolis Automobile Industry, has been published
- Ashley Molinaro had multiple items including passed her exam that now makes her officially a PhD candidate at Old Dominion University, celebration of her anniversary, and an upcoming trip with her daughter.
- John Searing paid happy bucks for his new car
- Michelle Nettles has been recognized for her interior design work and Best of Houzz for the third year. She now is involved with designing the interior of the St. Jude House
- Sharon Laderberg gave happy bucks for the ODU “Hoops for the Cure” game to benefit breast cancer research
- Bob Ash gave to recognize the great growth in the ODU Rotaract Club. He was welcomed back to the club with great applause after recovering from a kayak accident
- Joey Rothgery and Chuck Spence contributed to recognize the Virginia Tech and University of Virginia basketball rivalry
- Jason Drane gave some happy bucks for his niece’s success singing on the German version of “American Idol’
Activities and Events:
- Pam Tubbs was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow +2
- Michelle Tapia was recognized for her excellent work in re-building the ODU Rotaract Club and presented with the Certificate of Organization from Rotary International
- Frank Whitman received a thank you from the club for his excellent musical support on the piano
- The Seven Venues staff that serves us so well at our meetings was recognized and each received a thank you gift from the club.
Other News
- Dr. Steve Jones reminded the club members of the importance of the upcoming Suds & Buds event on May 18t. Everyone’s support is needed in seeking sponsors for this fundraising event.
- Pam Tubbs announced that the Grant Selection Committee will meet on February 26 to work on final selection of our grant recipients for 2018.
VISITORS
- Winn Winslow is a visiting Rotarian from the Suffolk club
- Sally Hartman’s guest was her colleague Adia White
- Dr. Steve Jones introduced Carlos Clanton, a candidate for the Norfolk School Board
- Steve Schultz introduced Michelle Tapia, president of the ODU Rotaract Club and a future member
- Chip Vogan’s guests were Lauren Abiouness, an art director and Katy Lenerville with the Norfolk Admirals
- Anthony Mia introduced Ron Heider