President-Elect Laurie Harrison turned the podium over to Jeff Wells who introduced the Rotarian of the Day, Diane Wallach. Diane is the successful owner of Selden Optometry downtown which she purchased over 20 years ago. Diane introduced our own Dianna Starkey with Virginia Arts. She has been engaged with tourism for 30 years, majored in Hospitality and Tourism, and has worked at the Arts for 20 years.
The Virginia Arts Festival is in its 25th season, started in 1997 with 7 cities. Dianna mentioned that there is a published program but because this is 2022, as artists are confirmed they are added to the schedule. She shared a short film that summarized all the options in genres and artists, and types of performances. Keep checking the schedule for the additions.
The feature is the International Tattoo. Last year it was held outside at ODU but this year it is back at Scope. The Tattoo will have school children in attendance but with a reduction in numbers.
Perry Pavilion is a new venue that was started last year when COVID was surging with the need to be outside and socially distanced. It was so successful, that it will continue with a variety of performances.
Each venue has a different protocol for COVID. The economic impact is $25M, also the printed program has three different covers depending on interests but the same content. The performances run the spectrum including ballet, classical, bluegrass, rock, country, and symphony.
In summary, this is one of the few efforts that all the Tidewater communities work proactively together and share in its success. The wide variety of performances can satisfy the desire of just about any preferences for a stage performance.
The Meeting
President-Elect Laurie Harrison presided over today's business meeting since President Michael was traveling again. Sigur Whitaker led our singing with R-O-T-A-R-Y and a perfect Valentine’s day song. Following the pledge of allegiance and the Four-Way Test, Marty Raiss led us in a short prayer of thanksgiving.
Visitation/Introduction of Visitors
President-Elect Laurie announced that Joe Massey had fallen, but is back home doing well. Lauren LaBonte introduced two members from the Compassion Network, Rev Stanley and David Hutcherson. They work locally in the community and reach out to neighbors in need.
Club Business
President-Elect Laurie announced that Oceanair Elementary School was the School of the Week. Sigur presented Paul Harris Fellow pins and congratulated Lauren LaBonte and Jay Kossman.
Chris Bugg announced the March 1st business meeting will be dedicated to the Sponsors of Suds and Buds. The intent is to invite all potential sponsors and then expose them to Rotary, our club, and the service we perform in the community. The outcome would be to get more sponsors to commit support to this effort. Bring a friend to the next meeting!
Happy Bucks
· Sally Hartman was on the Today show twice…she has been long-time fan.
· Bill Lehew for Virginia win over Duke.
· Jeff Wells for his youngest daughter’s birthday and the new grandchild.
· Susan Donn decided to move to Harbor’s Edge.
· Marty Raiss for winning the Carolina game.
· Sigur Whitaker for the Tar-heel Loss.
· Tom Koller for his daughter that was in town visiting.
Bill Lehew won the small pot of $16 and left the $393 for next week's raffle.
