Rotations October 14, 2014
President Sigur began the day’s business with a “strike of the bell” at precisely 12:37 PM.
Bob Heely led the singing with three songs: “Sing Out a Song of Rotary”, followed by a creative salute to our speaker – “My Tunnel Lies Under the Ocean”, and finally an “a capella” homage to Peter, Paul and Mary of “This Land is Your Land”.
Dr. Ed (Lilly) gave the Visitation Report. Contacting Ken Weeks, he found him cheery and upbeat, but not quite ready to return to Rotary. He was unable to contact Kelly Dickerson but learned from his fellow Rotarians that she was doing well after her surgery and would be attending this weekend’s Virginia Wine Festival. On a somber note, he had learned that prayers were being offered for Jack McGee at church, but had no further details.
Cy Grandy, Greeter Extraordinaire, invited George Compo to introduce his guest, Kevin Wong, his partner at Compo Construction.
After her customary Announcements, including the change in time of next Monday’s (10/20) Board meeting at Kaufman & Canoles to 4:00 PM, President Sigur called on Skip Burton. At the behest of Dr. John Chittick, Skip announced that invitations to the World Aids Day (December 1st) were on tables.
Always a highlight, Congratulations and Fines followed. Leading off was Dr. Jim Baker happy about his third generation HOKIE granddaughter who had designed the tee shirt worn by Hokie fans during Saturday’s game. He also noted that he had mistakenly been given credit for making donations to VMI in the last Rotations – author not identified.
Past President Julie Keesling, back from an extended stay in Rhode Island, was very happy to be back with her “home” club. We are all glad to have her back.
Harry McCoy shared some of his largess in honor of Harry Gustin, whose grandson is the star of the new hit TV series “The Flash”. Harry announced he didn’t have any money to match Harry’s tribute!
Sigur then announced that she had a ticket for the night’s Norfolk Forum to hear “Woz” Wozniac, co-founder of Apple. Not problem finding a taker.
Jack Hornbeck announced his happiness with the engagement of his daughter who found her love in Denver.
Lois Kercher announced her 4th place finish in her age group this past weekend in a charity running event.
Past President Lisa Chandler was happy to be back from her biking trip in Sicily and that her daughter was employed after successfully earning her Masters Degree from the University of Texas, Austin.
Sharon Laderberg was elated that the overcast skies parted Saturday for the Race for the Cure running event and that her son had captured overall 2nd in the race.
The congratulations moved seamlessly to the introduction of the Rotarian of the Day, George Compo, President of Compo Construction and a member of the Norfolk Rotary since 1988. George then introduced our speaker, Wade Watson, SKW (Skanska, Kiewit, Weeks) Project Manager for Midtown Tunnel. George and Wade have known each other for many years. In 1980, George hired Wade at Tidewater Construction before George left to start his own company.
Wade then provided a quick overview of the very large public-private partnership transportation project that is being accomplished by SKW and “owned” by VDOT. Of note, the member companies of SKW have completed 70% of the immersed tube tunnels built.
The project scope includes: building and installing only the second All Concrete” tunnel in the US as the second tube of the Midtown Tunnel; building the MLK Extension to connect the Midtown with I264; and refurbishing and rehabilitating the Downtown Tunnel tubes and the “old” Midtown Tunnel tube.
Most of the remaining presentation focused on how the new Midtown Tunnel would be constructed. It is expected to open in December of 2016, with the refurbishment of the Downtown Tunnel to be completed in August of 2016.
After fielding some excellent questions, President Sigur announced that the book “Fortunately, the Milk” would be presented in Wade’s honor to the school of the day, Poplar Hall Elementary.
The raffle followed with $20 in the daily pot and $853 in the BIG pot. There was such a delay after the winning number was called that another was about to be chosen. In the nick of time, our own Bob “Scoops” Powell came forward with his ticket. Alas he chose the 5 of hearts, so this raffle lives to see another day.
On that note, President Sigur adjourned.