Program Speaker: Andria McClellan SNA Fiber Optic Ring
We were blessed by another speaker who is intimately engaged in cutting edge regional work in technology. Andria has served as a Norfolk Council Member representing Ward 6 with a serious interest in regional efforts and cooperation. Her interests have been HRT, Hampton Roads Planning Council and Fiber Ring effort since 2017.
The goal of the SNA Fiber Ring initiative was to maximize fiber communications delivered by the high speed cross Atlantic cable. A committee was formed by Norfolk, VA Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Suffolk to collaborate in an effort to build a fiber ring which would provide service to residents and businesses in all 5 cities. $5 million was awarded from ARPA money, the commission was formed with work beginning in 2018 with a completion date expected July 31, 2024.
A public private partnership has been established with Global Technical Systems spawning more engagement from companies like MetroNet who are currently installing new fiber to bring internet to homes and businesses in Norfolk.
*Note* I need to add a little editorial comment now and thank Rotarian Jay Kossman for Googling some of the terms used so the rest of us could have a better understanding of the topic. Also, thank you Andria for speaking at our level when she could!
Andria took some questions from the floor:
- Military Circle redevelopment has been put on hold
- MacArthur Center is being studied to identify the best use. City leadership has no interest in managing the property. Some ideas have been discussed such as keeping the parking facilities, creating use that will enhance public use, increase revenue and use a master developer to move forward.
- Short-term rentals are being taxed as if they were hotels. The council is asking for a tracking system that will create revenue reports.
- It is predicted that the Tide will not be expanded to VB. Naval Base study has been put on hold.
- Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center in Wards Corner will be replaced by a modern facility with an aquatic center, library, fitness center, recreation center, gym and community areas. Primeplus Senior Center will move to the Titustown Recreation Center.
Fines/Happy Bucks
- Lots of travel and great family time was had by many members
- What can be said but Jim K. celebrated some football game that involved Army this past weekend.
- Maury H.S. football team is undefeated and true champions.
- The Salvation Army service project was well attended (18 members). Many children will be happy thanks to the Angel Tree project. Let’s hope we sorted correctly so all kids will get what they asked for.
- Kay Stine has been recognized by our members and all of Hampton Roads for her professionalism and for being an awesome person. Congrats for the Professional Woman recognition.
- A very special family has been served through Habitat for Humanity and many Rotary volunteers.
Club Business: Brief Remarks by President Jeff
- Thank you to everyone who came out for Habitat for Humanity last Thursday and The Salvation Army Christmas Depot on Saturday
- December 14th Christmas Carol Social at Virginia Stage Co. starts at 6 pm and the show is at 7:30 pm, registration is closed but you can still get tickets at the box office
- Linwood Beckner – pitch for final signups for Holiday Luncheon
- January 13th – New Member Orientation at Pam Tubbs home 10:30 am
- We were reminded that the Rotary Magazine is well worth the read and the members can generate some new program ideas to create a new service oriented period for our future.
- Sally Hartman announced that some members of the refugee program are in need of jobs so please consider opportunities for them
- Red Badge to Blue Badge – John Ehehalt and Armistead Williams
