At the September 17 Rotary Club of Norfolk meeting Rotarian Diana Starkey introduced Russell Allen, general manager and CEO of Virginia Opera. Russell has a distinguished career managing a variety of artistic entities. He updated members on the 45th season for Virginia Opera. He highlighted director Lillian Groan, who has done 25 productions here over the past 27 years and will direct two operas this year: Tosca and Aida. Two of her protegees will direct the other two selections -- Crystal Manich with Il Postino and Kyle Lang with Cinderella. Il Postino is an opera based on a movie -- a relatively new trend. In the past, operas were based on a story or a book (libretto is a little book).
Russell reminded everyone that Virginia Opera has an education program that covers the Commonwealth. Along with educating the public, Virginia Opera encourages young singers through its Herndon Foundation for Emerging Artists. Led by Shelby Rhoades, Virginia Opera principal coach and director of the Emerging Artists Program, singers appear in Virginia Opera mainstage productions, tour in educational programs and perform in recitals, donor events, and the Master Teacher Series.” Shelby accompanied Celeste Godin, one of the Emerging Artists. Russell explained that over 600 singers apply for the program for less than 20 openings for this program.
Celeste performed three selections. From Tosca (which opens October 4), she sang a well-known aria “Vissi d’arte.” Then in English, she sang “Before I Gaze at You Again,” a love song from the musical Camelot. To finish, Celeste sang a selectionin German. (Beyond this scribe’s capacity to record.) Everyone was captivated as she moved joyfully across the front of the room during her solo. Three very different selections but each with appropriate feeling and dramatic action!
The Meeting
Chip Vogan led us in Sing Out a Song of Rot’ry; President Lorna led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test.Jim Baker offered a brief invocation.
Our School of the Week was Ruffner Academy.
Bob Powell updated us about Jean Owens, who gave up her vehicle, but would still like to attend; and Bob Latimer. Bill Jonak was again in attendance and volunteered to take up duties as a scribe. (Not!)
Club Business
President Lorna reminded members to pay their bills.
Bryce Burton updated the club on Growl Fest at Virginia Zoo. Drinking tickets that got 1,000 people growlers sold out by 3 p.m. on the day of the event! Over 1,600 people of all ages came out to enjoy the Zoo, the beer, and the food. While they don’t have a final accounting yet, it appears to be the most successful Growl Fest since its inception. During the meeting, we saw lots of photographs showing happy people enjoying the pleasant weather.
Dr. Steve Jones reminded club members that the application for our Suds ‘n Buds third charitable partner were due by September 20.
The District Conference will be held in Virginia Beach the weekend of September 21. Carlisle Wroton could use some help with our table/display in the Friendship House. Also, we are reminded to contribute peanut butter, canned tuna and canned chicken for Beach Bags for Students.
Lorna encouraged members to join Kelly Stefano to tour Barkitecture at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens on October 3rd followed up by a social at Cutty Sark.
Happy Bucks & Fines
Bill Moore seemed happy to contribute because he helped establish a community garden near Stockley Gardens. Ann Baldwin regaled us with her vicarious travels (her family must have been busy this summer); but she really wanted us to know that she swam a mile in her pool all in one day.
Tom Ambler was happy to celebrate his son’s wedding this coming weekend.
Jim Kitz donated happy bucks for every duck he caught while duck hunting in Missouri; rumor has it that it was a $1 donation. But who knows?
Eleanor Schoonover was happy to promote the Oyster Crush by the Cape Henry Rotary where her husband is a member. Always a great time!
Susan Donn contributed $1 for every day she had to wear a sling ($42) which has now been donated to the rag bag.
Anthony Mia felt compelled to contribute sad bucks because he missed Growl Fest.
Marty Raiss let us all know that on October 17 Prime Plus will be available for Rotary tours.
Pam Tubbs made a pitch for Rotarians to serve on next year’s board.
John Padgett encouraged Rotarians to attend the District Conference.
Conclusion
President Lorna thanked Russell Allen and showed him the book to be given to Ruffner Academy.
Bill McInnis brought in the raffle. Linwood Beckner won twice; so he donated the Opera tickets and kept the 50/50 raffle money. Joe New drew the winning ticket to get the Tosca tickets Linwood returned!
President Lorna reminded us that there will not be a meeting again until October 1 when the district governor is our featured speaker.
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