The days are already getting shorter. The bell rings at 12:35 and President Sigur breaks from the huddle and surveys the field. President Sigur’s contract with Rotary literally has her serving for a “song”. Consequently, Bob Heely, a late substitution for Eleanor Schoonover, takes the microphone and belts out an enthusiastic rendition of “The Good Old Summertime” and “The Star Spangled Banner”. Jack Kavanaugh shows off his jersey that was emblazoned with his nickname “Tootsie Wootsie” which is a very good sign. The crowd shouted play ball and the noise in the room is deafening. After pledging allegiance, Walt Sobczyk, whose name barely fit on the back of his uniform, quieted the crowd with a thoughtful invocation. Then our resident cougar and cheerleader, Jean Owens, encouraged the team to remember our members on injured reserve. Bob Latimer is scheduled for an ablation procedure on July 9, 2015. Sue Wells, wife of member Irv Wells, was recovering and gaining strength. The visiting team was introduced by John Searing. The list was long. Lorna Cochrane introduced her husband who apparently had no excuse to be somewhere else. Bill Pollard, thankfully, was not introduced. Apparently Bill needed no introduction. Bill Pollard is a Past District Governor and member of the Churchland Club. Bill was scouting the Norfolk Club for talent and ideas. Dana Overstreet introduced Julie Song who works at the Chamberlin and who salivated at the wealth of prospects that she could recruit for her retirement community. The coach, Bobby Wilder, introduced, Jena Virga, the Assistant Vice President for Athletic Development at ODU. Jena must have some input on Coach Wilder’s salary as he described her as one of the best looking women in Hampton Roads. Bill Jonak disagreed. He argued there were at least 3 other women that he would rate higher. Mike Goldsmith introduced his clumsy but charming daughter Rachel who recently graduated from the University of Mary Washington. Mal Branch introduced Tommy Watson, a relative from Texas that is literally a “Road Runner”. Judge Wilcox introduced his son Henry who is known and loved for fathering grandchildren. Rick Coradi arriving with the deflated game balls introduced Dan Wood. President Sigur introduced Diane Richardson, the wife of former member Tom Richardson. President Sigur provided Diane with a resolution in Tom’s honor and the Club welcomed her with vigorous applause. Lisa Chandler, the head of the concessions, provided checks to the Food Bank, the Botanical Gardens and the Rotary Club of Norfolk. Each check was for the amount of $5,000. Lisa provided an overview of the Club’s Suds and Buds fundraiser and the prospects for the future. President Sigur presented Michael Goldsmith with a Blue Badge that looked striking on his blue uniform. Bob Heely paid a fine to recognize Michael Goldsmith who has received numerous compliments from community leaders in the wake of the tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina. President Sigur announced that another team would be taking the field on July 21, 2015 to raise money for polio eradication. The cost of the tickets will be $12, with a portion of the ticket price to be donated to PolioPlus. Sally Hartman gave the team a glimpse of the upcoming schedule and the opportunities to explore new membership strategies in the upcoming year.
President Sigur needed to raise money for the team. Various members donated money to draw attention to various events in their life. Bob Powell challenged President Sigur with a difficult math problem to celebrate his 48th wedding anniversary. Jim O’Brien contributed $25 for a new team car. Bill Gresham provided some Happy Bucks to announce that he was expecting a grandchild early next year. Joe Massey ratted out Ed Lilly who had his picture in the Lake Taylor Chronicle. Joe Massey had to direct President Sigur to look carefully for his picture and volunteered some happy bucks. John Chittick presented the Club with a flag from Algeria. Chip Vogan presented a flag from the Old Club in St. Louis, Missouri. David Brandt contributed money to recognize the announcement that Sweet Briar would remain open.
The crowd was getting restless. Skip Burton blew the whistle and called a Delay of Game penalty on President Sigur. Skip introduced the speaker. As a football referee, Skip could say anything he wanted to about the speaker and he did. Skip noted that the ODU football program has been very successful while not ignoring character, integrity and scholarship. The ODU football program has won 69% of its games and has sold out 41 consecutive home games, the best record for football in the country. Coach Bobby Wilder acknowledged a number of neighbors and friends in the room. Bobby provided an overview of the ODU football program and what to expect in the coming year. Coach Wilder challenges his team to aim high…sort of like Bob Powell’s hunting advice or the advice he would give to Chief Goldsmith about where to tackle any streakers that go the distance in SB Ballard Stadium. Coach Wilder advised the Club that ODU’s office would be slower and adjusted to the style of the Monarch’s new quarterback. The Coach answered a number of questions from the team. He even addressed Ben Mason’s question about the difference between God and Coach Spurrier at the University of South Carolina. Coach Wilder indicated that God did not consider himself a football coach.
President Sigur thanked Coach Wilder for being with the Club and indicated that a book would be dedicated in his honor and placed in the Oceanair Elementary School library. The name of the book was “Until Daddy Comes Home.” Table 16 had 100% attendance and John Lynn won the daily raffle. The marching band appeared on the field and President Sigur dismissed the team at 1:35 p.m. Go Monarchs!
