The Rotary Club of Norfolk’s speaker on November 7, 2023, was its esteemed member and Past District Governor John Padgett. He has been a club member since 1989, and served as the club president in 2011-2012. A proud graduate of the University of Virginia, John pursued a law degree at Washington and Lee University and is a partner at the McGuireWoods Law Firm. His commitment to Rotary is evident through his status as a Paul Harris Fellow plus 5 for supporting the Rotary Foundation and a Charles Woodard Fellow for contributing to the club's endowment.

During his presentation, John highlighted the significance of November as Rotary Foundation Month. In his role as Past District Governor and as a fellow Rotarian, he expressed gratitude to the club’s generosity, acknowledging Rotary International’s impact on global initiatives such as the inoculation of 2.5 billion children against polio and the provision of clean water to 25,000 Ethiopians.

Rotary, as John emphasized, is not only a local organization but a globally recognized brand. Using the analogy of bamboo, he illustrated how Rotary's roots, established with a modest $27.50 after the 1917 Kansas Rotary Convention, have grown into a powerful foundation, supporting various projects over the past 106 years.

Among the notable projects are The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships, which foster global connections through student exchanges. With 1.4 million Rotarians and 34,000 clubs spanning Africa, Europe, and beyond, The Rotary Foundation has earned a prestigious 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

John recounted the Norfolk Club's significant contributions, such as spearheading the construction of a 50-bed tuberculosis wing in a Haitian hospital in the 1960s. He explained the allocation of donations, with funds invested for three years and approximately 50% redirected to the Global Fund for deployment by trustees. The remaining 50% supports local initiatives in the districts.

Currently, District 7600 is engaged in the "Incoming Grant” program with the Chesapeake Rotary Club leading efforts to purchase a mobile medical clinic for Guyana, showcasing the local impact with global reach. This initiative is being spearheaded by a Rotary Club in Guyana.

John concluded by highlighting Rotary's role in the worldwide eradication of polio, emphasizing the club's diverse local projects, ranging from building and supporting the Boys and Girls Club in the past to recently participating in COVID inoculation planning. He proudly announced that the Downtown Norfolk Rotary Club has contributed over $1 million to The Rotary Foundation over the years and has raised substantial amounts for polio eradication programs.

John closed his remarks by honoring Sherri Wells as a Paul Harris Fellow and Barbara Lifland as a Paul Harris Fellow plus 5.

The Meeting

President Jeff asked that the club observe a moment of silence to remember Rotarian Will King, who passed away on October 30. Rotarian Armistead Williams took a few minutes to tell a few stories about Will and his contributions to our community.

Mary Insley and Pam Tubbs led today’s music with rousing renditions of “R-O-T-A-R-Y” and “The Grand Old Flag” 

Dr. Marsha Conston led the invocation. 

Lynwood Becker noted the passing of long-time Rotarian, Judge Robert Doumar, who passed away November 4.

Club Business

• We celebrated November birthdays. 
• Blue badges were presented to Rotarians Marcia Conston and David Charney, who transferred from another club.
• We inducted new member Thomas Chatman, dean of students at Tidewater Community College. Marcia Conston is his sponsor. 
• Copies of the October board meeting were available on each table
• The Holiday Luncheon will be held on December 19 at Norfolk Yacht and Country Club with one guest per Rotarian plus any Rotary widows or widowers.
• Norfolk Holiday Parade is coming on November 18, and our club will have a float. This year’s theme is “Gingerbread” Parade marchers should bring candy and wear khaki pants and white shirts.
• McGuireWoods has donated 80 seats for the “Christmas Carol” at the Virginia Stage Company so our club members can have reduced price tickets plus free parking. Stand by for more information.
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Happy Bucks and Fines

• Sally Hartman was happy that Pam Tubbs gifted her Chic Robison’s Corolla beach house she won in last year golf tournament. Sally is making a gift to Polio Plus in Pam and Chic’s honor.
• Eleanor Schoonover was pleased that a friend turned 98 and is doing well.
• Marcia Conston was happy to be getting a blue badge and welcoming a new Rotarian she sponsored, Thomas Chatham.
• Lisa Chandler was happy because she is back at Rotary after being retired for a week.
• Barbara Lipskis was happy because November is her birthday month and celebrated Past President Laurie Harrison’s award at the annual Association of Fundraising Professionals. She was honored as the outstanding fundraising professional in the Hampton Roads area.
• Bob Heely wanted to wish all a happy Marine Corps birthday.
• Hank Thompson paid his first-time happy buck to celebrate being one step closer to a blue badge
• Susan Donn was happy because she has a new right hip and can walk again
• Michelle Nettles was happy to have had a trip to Turks and Caicos.
• LauraBeth DeHority was happy to have had  a trip to Charleston with a friend.
• Ed Kellam was unhappy he forgot his pin and that he has never recovered from the Marine Corps haircut he got at Parris Island. 
• President Jeff Wells reported that his only cousin passed away after 12 years of suffering.