The Program:  Linwood Beckner introduced Will Christopher, President, Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance, (HRPTA).  Will began his talk saying that a strong regional transportation system is crucial to the future of Hampton Roads.  Decisions we make now will set the stage for this region’s economic competitiveness, productivity and quality of life in decades ahead.

 

We are currently running out of land.  Plans for urban sprawl need to be replaced with a vision of 21^st century infrastructure.  Regionalism should be our focus.  Parochialism is self-destructive.  Connectivity is essential.

 

Our region is currently ranked the 37^th largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the country, and we have the potential of being the 16^th largest MASA by adding people and jobs.  Hampton Roads needs to change if we want to attract the next generation of talent.  What do millennials want?  Researchers tell us they want a sustainable, livable, walkable environment with a good multimodal public transportation system.

 

The speaker shared several references for those of us interested in learning more.

 

He invited us, as community leaders, to support development of a regional public transportation system that will enable future growth and prosperity in Hampton Roads. 

 

 

President Bryce launched the meeting asking all present to recite the Rotary Four-way Test; important words that are worth repeating each time we convene.

 

Chuck Spence led us in two of our fave songs accompanied by Frank Whitman.  Rachel Bellis gave the invocation, and Jean Owens gave an update on Ray Norton who recently had eye surgery.

 

Bob Latimer recognized visiting Rotarians:  Ken Harber (Lakewood/Rocky River Sunrise), Bill Pollard (Churchland), and Roger Schoonover (Cape Henry).  Other club members introduced guests they brought today:

 

Fourteen members of our Club celebrate their birthday in August, and as is our monthly custom, we all joined in to sing “Happy Birthday to You…”.

 

David Brandt                             Chip Finch

Roger Flagg                              Adam Foleck

Angus Hines                              Jim Kitz

Tim Lawrence                            Ben Miles

Jim O’Brien                                Robin Ray

JD Scott                                    Chuck Spence

Wayne Shank                            Sigur Whitaker

 

President Bryce highlight three recent Club activities which were very successful:

·         Community service at Mojo Thrift Store ForKids

·         Polo Plus Tides baseball game

·         Yappy Hour at Bea Arthur Dog park

 

Happy Buck, Congratulations, and Fines (all money goes to Club charities)

·         Bill Gresham gave $100 for an article in the paper that his company celebrated 100 years in business.

·         Anthony Mia paid for buying a new car

·         Sigur Whitaker gave Happy $ for an upcoming trip to England with the church choir.

·         Roger Schoonover gave money and invited us to Rotary Cape Henry’s upcoming Oyster Crush event.

·         Barbara Lifland gave $20 for her hike in Alaska, and also serving as a slight-assistant for family member who attended DNC convention.

·         Irv Wells gave Happy $ recognizing Rachel Bellis coming to the rescue of his dog at Yappy Hour!

·         Sally Hartman gave $ to thank Jim Kitz for organizing Mojo Thrift Store service event.

·         Bill Pollard offered $ in gratitude for a family birthday celebration.

·         John Padgett paid a fine for his name in print.

 

Weekly raffle:  There was no winner of the big pot today.