The Program: Rotarian of Day Jim Kitz introduced guest speaker Dr. Shaomin Li, ODU professor of management and eminent scholar, who spoke on the topic of “China’s Influence and America’s Response.” He joined ODU in 2002 to teach international business, and won the State Council of Higher Education Outstanding Faculty Award 2008.
Dr. Li described as “surreal” what has been unfolding with the Chinese Party State on the economic and political fronts. There is growing evidence of a new form of power that seeks to penetrate, sway, and even undermine the integrity of democracies around the world. This is not carried out through transparent engagement, but rather by covert means. The U.S.-China relationship has been shifting as the Chinese Party State seeks aggressive advantage. Old assumptions about engagement and peaceful evolution are no longer valid and a new approach is needed.
Over last 20 years the rise of China has gone almost undetected, until recently, by US political leadership in both parties. The surge of Chinese imports wiped out millions of domestic manufacturing jobs. The U.S. naively thought China’s entrance into global economic system signaled its willingness to play by rules of market economies. Quite to the contrary, China believes that the State must play a leading role in economic development, and that economic power should be translated into political and military power. For example, China is now the largest provider of foreign aid, at $350 billion to 140 countries.
The China model is based on economic growth without political liberty, with applications far beyond its borders. Mobilizing vast amounts of capital for public purposes is a key tool for building global political influence. Li addressed several possible responses by U.S. and other democracies. Is it too late to solve a problem 20 years after its discover?
The book, “The Honey Bee” was donated in Dr. Li's honor to our School of Week, James Monroe Elementary.
The Meeting
President Pam convened the luncheon and acknowledged Bill Davis for excellent House Committee/Greeters Committee meeting set up.
Marty Raiss delivered an inspiring invocation.
Visitation report was provided by Bill Gough: Chuck Spence is recovering from shoulder surgery; Jeff Wells' recent heart procedure was successful; Jean Owens is suffering with a shoulder issue; and Jane Dembert continues her recovery from brain surgery.
Bob Heely made guest introductions: Visiting Rotarian (and former Norfolk Rotarian) Jennifer Priest was with us from the Sunrise Club; Pam Tubbs introduced Mary Llewellyn; Jim Kitz introduced Eric Fox; and Ellen Schoonover Dr. Berhanu Mengistu, ODU Professor of Public Administration, who is a prospective club member. Bob Ash "seconded" the introduction, remarking on his long friendship with and admiration of Dr. Mengitsu.
ODU Rotaract President Michele Tapia presented a check to Norfolk Rotary Charities from their "Pool 4 Polio" fundraiser.
Ashley Molinaro announced volunteer opportunities. Mark Shaw will step in to chair upcoming golf tournament. Michael Desplaines made a pitch for Suds & Buds sponsorships.
April milestones were recognized:
- BIRTHDAYS—2nd, George Compo; 6th, Michelle Nettles; 9th, Ray Moses; 12th, Karen Gershman; 13th, Winston Whitehurst; 17th, Bernie Cohen and Mark Shaw; 18th, Joe New; 21st, Ashley Molinaro; 25th, Kelly Stefanko; 26th, Susan Donn.
- WEDDING ANNIVERSARY—Donna H. & Walt Sobczyk, 24 years (21 April 1995)
- ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES—2 years, Jim Allison; 4 years, Michelle Nettles and Walt Sobczyk; 5 years, Laurie Harrison; 10 years, Lorna Cochrane; 22 years, Jack Kavanaugh; 28 years, Shep Miller; 30 years, John Padgett; 33 years, Alan Nelson; 36 years, Skip Burton; 40 years, Anthony Radd.
Happy Bucks:
- Sally Hartman, Norfolk State presentation
- Walt Sobcyzk for his wedding anniversary
- Barbara Lipskis, offered two Norfolk Forum tickets to auction for Norfolk Rotary Charities; happily purchased by Bernie Cohen
- Sharon Lauderburg has a new position at Virginia Wesleyan as Assistant VP for Advancement
- Gary Boswick and John Padgett for being seen without their Rotary pins at last week's For Kids Art Auction Gala
- Sigur Whitaker, for Christ & St. Luke’s Handel Messiah performance (Sigur shared an amusing anecdote about having rehearsed the Hallelujah chorus, singing "Honolulu" instead of "Hallelujah" due to Episcopal respect for the Lenten season)
- Bill LeHew for UVA making it to Final Four.
President-elect Lorna Cochrane provided an overview of “Giving Tuesday” gifting opportunities.
Bill McInnis conducted the raffle: the Daily Pot was won by Joel Heaton; the Big Pot will carry on.
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Back by popular demand at our May 17 Suds & Buds party will be the charity wine pull. To make it work, we need club members to each donate at a meeting a bottle of wine valued at $20 or more. Or, donate $20 and our wine committee will buy the wine for you. Wine bottles will be bagged and numbered and guests at the party will pay $20 and take home a mystery bag of wine. Proceeds will benefit our Rotary Club, Norfolk Botanical Garden and Lee's Friends. The wine pull sold out quickly at last year's Suds & Buds and netted more than $2,000.