Our speaker David Rosenthal (right) shows Michael Desplaines the book we will donate in his honor to a Norfolk school.
At Lorna Cochrane's first official meeting as our club's new president, she kicked off the meeting with good news: Our club won six awards on Saturday at the Rotary District 7600 awards program in Williamsburg. Lorna also shared the news that our club's proposal for a multi-club district grant to equip the Hunton YMCA was approved.
Michael Desplaines, vice president for programs, introduced our speaker, David Rosenthal, a certified lake manager and former Rotary District area governor, who has managed City of Norfolk reservoirs for 28 years. David's program -- “The Historical Development of a Reliable System of Water Supply for the City of Norfolk” encompassed 177 years of history that included these highlights:
- 1842 – the original water supply system was acquired from the Commandant of the Navy
- 1860 – A state charter was granted
- 1873 – Moore’s Bridges pumping station was built and powered by steam. It is still in use and is near Lake Taylor High School.
- 1899 – The “in-town” reservoir system was formed. Little Creek reservoir was created along with Lake Smith, Lake Whitehurst, Lake Wright. A gravity filter building was built to provide the first treatment of raw water.
- 1918 – Acquisition of Burnt Mills Lake and Lake Prince; 37th Street water treatment plant was built in 1921 and is still in use near Old Dominion University's practice fields.
- 1922 – Acquired the Norfolk County Water Company and Stumpy Lake
- WWII Period – Developed the Burnt Mills Reservoir
- 1950’s – Waterworks were developed
- 1963 – Western Branch reservoir and pumping station were developed. These facilities currently supply the majority of Norfolk’s water
- 1966 – Development of deep-well water supply with four wells in Suffolk.
Currently, the city system operates two water treatment plants, eight reservoirs and four deep wells. It supplies or augments water in many area cities. Water quality is sampled on a regular basis and is more pure than bottled water!
Announcements:
- Chick Robison reports that Bob Latimer is doing well and would like visitors and that Jean Owens is at Westminster-Canterbury and seems to like it there.
- Our speaker, David Rosenthal, a member of the Rotary Club of Hampton Roads, brought two guests with him -- Mike Moore, who works with Parks and Recreation for the City of Norfolk, and Rachael Gall, Public Information Officer with the City of Norfolk
- Diane Wallach reminded us that our exchange students from Tiel, Netherlands will arrive this weekend and will present at our club on Tuesday. There are volunteer opportunities for members to serve with them at the Norfolk SPCA and the foodbank.
- Bryce Burton highlighted GrowlFest 2019, a fun fundraiser our club is co-sponsoring at Virginia Zoo with the Sunrise Rotary Club. The event will be on Saturday, September 14 from 5:30-9 PM. Tickets will go on sale at the end of the month and sponsorships are being solicited.
- Tom Ambler, our parliamentarian, earned his blue badge in record time.
- Look for a member survey to come soon to help members give input.
Happy Bucks and Fines:
- Rotarian Jos Hekking is returning home to The Netherlands at the end of the July and has greatly appreciated his involvement with our club.
- Steve Jones, CPA, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his firm, Jones CPA Group PC
- Jack Kavanaugh was in the news this week with an article on the [birds] in Freemason district
- Joe Massey was pleased to have a surprise visit from Past President Pam Tubbs
- Marilyn Gowen has a new car
- Jim Kitz had a great hiking excursion in Ireland
- Collins Gooch is celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary