Chuck Spence introduced our speaker, Mr. Robert Shoup, who is in his 21st season as Chorus Master and Staff Conductor of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and previously served from 1997 to 2007 as Musical Director for the Virginia Chorale. Mr. Shoup also serves as Director of Music Ministry at Freemason Street Baptist Church.
The Norfolk Street Choir is a chorus established by Mr. Shoup and Freemason Street Baptist Church as an outreach to the city’s homeless population. This type of program has been followed in other U.S. cities and Dallas has been a leading example of the potential for such groups. After studying the programs used in other cities, Mr. Shoup and his church established the Norfolk Street Choir in 2016.
The Church sponsors weekly Friday breakfasts followed by singing and rehearsals. While the breakfasts are offered year round, the Choir’s activities are in the Fall through the Spring. During this time, the breakfasts usually have about 60-90 guests, followed by about 25-35 participants for the choir.
The participants come from our city’s homeless population, including those living in shelters as well as those living on the streets. Mr. Shoup works closely with representatives of the City of Norfolk Office to End Homelessness as well as the NEST program. Many of the participants suffer from mental illness, a few from substance abuse, and others are from the working poor.
As Mr. Shoup indicated, the participants are passionate about singing and telling their story of suffering and humanity. They have unique perspectives and the ability to tell a story that few can.
He explained that the group has requirements and rules that must be followed. Also, the participants are provided bus passes and other gifts from the church to encourage participation. Financial support comes primarily from the church.
The success of the group has been reported by The Virginian-Pilot. WHRO is also working on a documentary about the group’s beginnings and performances.
The group is growing and establishing itself, as evidenced by its 2017-2018 scheduled performances, including the Virginia Librarian Association Convention in The Main, Homeless Connect at Norfolk Scope, Ghent Area Ministries Annual Luncheon and as part of the outdoor Street Requiem performance.
The Norfolk Street Choir is growing and providing a voice and hope for our city’s homeless.
The Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Gary Boswick. President Gary remarked on the recent passing of our member, Judge Marc Jacobson and how thoughtful and kind the Judge was.
Winston Whitehurst gave the visitation report. Mark Shaw is continuing his progress, is home and is doing rehab. Pam Tubbs, Lorna Cochrane and Jane Dembert are all continuing their recoveries, rehab, and getting used to their “new body parts”. Ann Morgan was released from the hospital and is home and continues to make good progress. It was also announced that Fred Walker recently had surgery.
Introduction of guests by Jean Owens included the following: David Rosenthal of the Hampton Roads Club, Roger Schoonover of Cape Henry and Jennifer Martin of Falls Church, Virginia. We were also honored to have as a special guest, Chuck Arnason, Past District Governor and District 7600 Rotary Foundation Chair from Blackstone, who complimented the Club for its strong support of the Foundation, and encouraged all of us to support the Foundation’s annual drive and to consider becoming a Major Donor.
Jos Hekking recently visited his home in the Netherlands and brought back a banner from the Club where he originally joined Rotary. Jos is here with NATO.
Dr. Steve Jones reminded us all of the importance of supporting our “Suds and Buds” project set for May 18th at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. President Gary reflected on how the Club always comes forward with support, but frequently it is last minute. How true! Let’s all get our wine donations, ticket purchases and sponsors in as soon as possible! Kudos to Steve Jones for his recent email sent to all members outlining the project and the areas for participation or support for the membership.
Bryce Burton announced that our second major fund raiser, the “Growl Fest” at the Norfolk Zoo would be held on September 15, 2018. A planning meeting for the event will be held on April 25th at noon at the Zoo. Members interested in working on this project should contact Bryce and join the Committee.
“Suds and Buds” and “Growl Fest” help fund our community service projects and grants. Following these announcements, it was particularly fitting that Pam Tubbs recognized the Rotarians on the Grants Selection Committee including: Lorna Cochrane; Michael Desplaines; Marilyn Gowen; Lois Kercher; Jay Kossman; Michelle Nettles; John Searing; Wayne Shank; and Carlisle Wroten and reported that the club awarded $36,295.00 in grants this year to 21 local non-profit organizations.
The Old Dominion University Rotaract Chapter won the Service Above Self award from Rotary District 7600 during an April 14 ceremony at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Michelle Tapia (in stripes), president of the ODU Chapter and a member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk, accepted the award with four ODU Rotaract members and Rotarian Steve Schultz (left), an ODU professor and ODU Rotaract advisor. Steve and Michelle were among 11 Rotary Club of Norfolk members at the awards event celebrating 50 years of Rotaract, which is for community-minded young adults between the ages of 18 and 30.