Rotations May 20, 2014

A high level of 'enthusiasm' permeated the lower reaches of Scope on this warm, summer-like day in downtown Norfolk.   Lynn Berg brought the crowd to their feet to render several familiar melodies; including "Let There be Peace on Earth...", "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", and "The Four-way Test".  Eleanor Schoonover gave a thoughtful Invocation and then passed the microphone to Barbara Lipskis to introduce a number of Guests and Visiting Rotarians; including Sara Weinberg, Jim Bickford, Martha Ambler, Steve Suskin, Helen Duenas, Carlos Franco and Susan Perkins.  A malfunctioning microphone did not prevent the introduction of Ann Baldwin as Rotarian-of-the-Week or delivery of her eulogy by Chuck Spence.  We learned, among other things, that Ann was born in the great State of Wyoming (several years ago!), is a graduate of Randolph Macon Womens College, and a resident of Hampton Roads since 1970!

Ray Norton was presented his Paul Harris (plus 2!) fellowship; and New Members, Dr. Kolovani and 'Chick' Robison, were introduced.  It was also noted that June 7th is Clean-The-Bay-Day, and a work day, beginning at 9:00 AM, for a large group of Rotary volunteers.

A young-looking Barbara Lipskis announced that she would, Lord willing, become a grandmother in July.  Marty Raiss took the mike long enough to brag that she has a house guest, name of Omar, who is a refugee from the war in Iraq.  During a brief lull in the program, Chuck Spence piped up that 2014 is the 50th anniversary of his graduation from that Charlottesville icon known as UVA; which prompted Harry Taylor to reverently proclaim that 2014 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market (We all know that the New Market battle brought a number of young men - students - onto the battlefield!).  After pausing for a moment to allow VMI grads in the audience to regain their composure, and blot a tear or two, President Donn continued with announcements and the routine of running the Meeting.

Dr. Kolovani and 'Chick' Robinson were officially welcomed as our newest Members noting, coincidentally, that Chick had been a Member in the distant past, so we were caught up in a déjà vu moment and delighted to welcome him back into the Fold.  Members were allowed to pop up with brief announcements and comments.  For example; Chip Vogan was commended for the Good Deed of repairing a pot-hole in front of another Member's house.

John Padgett was effusive in his introduction of our Speaker, Salvation Army Captain Brett Meredith, noted for his shot-gunning the construction of the Army's magnificent, new Kroc Center located near Downtown on Princess Anne Road, adjoining Norfolk's Industrial Park.  Norfolk's sprawling Kroc Community Center is the last in a series of Community Centers spread across the Nation and funded by the Estate of the founder of the McDonald's Restaurant chain.

The Salvation Army's Hampton Roads history has been both lengthy and productive.  The Army traces its founding back 149 years, its Hampton Roads inception was 109 years ago and now includes thriving Thanksgiving and Christmas programs, as well as programs focused directly on hunger, alcoholism, shelter, job placement and care and shelter for women, children, the hungry and the homeless.

Part of the Army's success locally can be credited to the energy and passion for excellence of its local commander, Brett (and Mary) Meredith, who supervised the Kroc Center's construction, while concurrently managing and growing the local unit's core programs.  As is customary, now that their primary task has been successfully completed, the Merediths will be reassigned to another Center, where their unique talents will again be put to work expanding some phase of the Corp's mission.

The Merediths take with them, to the next assignment in Baton Rouge, a record of accomplishment and the gratitude of the Hampton Roads community, beneficiaries of their creative energies and dedication to the job at hand.  Thank you, Merediths, for your response to the unique challenge of birthing the Nation's 24th magnificent Kroc center and to lifting this community to a new level of care for the deserving.  The new Kroc Center will stand forever as a testimonial to your talents as organizers and builders; and to the vision and charity of Ray and Joan Kroc.