The Program:
The Rotarian of the day was our resident “Ironman” John Searing, a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch. John Searing introduced member Skip Burton, as a reprise of “Three Blind Mice” played in the background. Skip Burton is the President/CEO of Burton Lumber and has been refereeing football games for over 48 years, the last 7 as an ACC Replay official. Skip Burton was greeted by the usual taunts from the players and fans. His “seeing eye” dog sat down beside him as he began his presentation. Skip reflected that the attitudes of the players, coaches and fans have not changed over the years. He shared several stories from his days as a football official. Some of the stories involved proctologists, some involved angry fans and others involved coaches who did not see eye to eye with the field officials.
Skip indicated that every college football game involves, on average, 190 plays. In a typical game, 2.2 plays are stopped for a review. Of the reviewed plays only 1% are reversed. Skip reflected that the replay statistics provide evidence on how good the officiating is on the field. At the beginning of the game, the review official dresses up in his striped shirt and is locked in a room with a technician and a communicator. It seems obvious why the NCAA would require Skip to wear stripes and to be locked in a secure cell. The standard to overturn a play on the field is indisputable proof. Skip suggested that indisputable proof was similar to convincing 50 drunks in a bar that a call on the field should be reversed.
The replay booth is part of the current fabric of football. With the availability of smartphones and instant replay on various sports networks, and the value of securing a bowl game, it was critical for the NCAA to develop a replay option for football. The club members asked a variety of questions including how often the rules change, how officials check the game balls, how the concussion injuries are dealt with at the college level, how sophisticated the technology has become in the replay booth, and how to become a referee at the college level.
President Sally advised Skip that the Club would present a book titled “The Dog Days of School” to the Tidewater Park Elementary School in his honor. It was also rumored that the Club gave Skip a gift card for a consultation with Diane Wallach at Selden Optometry. Harry Taylor won the raffle but failed to win the big pot. President Sally adjourned the meeting and everyone returned to the field of play.
Meeting:
The bell rang. Skip Burton jumped. He has had his bell rung one time too many. President Sally brought everyone to attention. The traditional Rotary fight songs were led by the dynamic duo of Lynne Berg and Jim Clary. Someone suggested “Three Blind Mice” in honor of our speaker. Jim Clary then prayed a thoughtful prayer straight from the rugby pitch as he asked God to “forgive us our fouls, As we forgive the ref who notices them.” The Club was advised to vote for 2 potential new members-Reverend Ned Alderman, Epworth United Methodist and Kelly Stefanko, of the National Science Foundation.
Announcements:
President Sally made several announcements, including alerting the Rotary team of the upcoming Rotary events. Among the opportunities for Club members are
-
The District Conference being held on October 2-4th in Williamsburg. The Club will pay for any member’s registration.
-
Meet and greet the students of the Achievable Dream on September 29, 2015. All of the slots have been taken, but contact Will King for more opportunities to visit the Achievable Dream in the future.
-
Bob Ash is coordinating a special viewing of the movie “Why I Can’t Reab Like Everybody Else?” , a movie about the challenges of Dyslexia, on October 1st at 6:30 p.m. at the ODU Webb Center
-
Jean Owens is coordinating a visit to the new Brock Center on October 9, 2015.
-
Kay Kemper is organizing a tour of the New E3 School – a model early education center at 9:30 a.m. on October 26, 2015.
Visitation Report:
The team doctor, Jim Baker, reported on the injured reserves. In general, the following Team members were not in uniform and certified to play, including:
-
Bob Powell who is still recovering from a knee replacement and much to the pleasure of the Norfolk Police Department has not been released to drive.
-
Kay Kesser, Ace Tubbs and Erin Thomasson were making progress and should be back directing their Rotarian spouses in the near future.
Guest and Visiting Rotarians:
-
Steve Robinson, a Rotarian in Quincy. Florida was visiting his son and daughter who are preparing for various assignments with the Navy. Steve introduced his son Chris Robinson as his guest.
-
Ned Alderman, the Senior Pastor for the Epworth United Methodist Church was a guest of Sally Hartman.
-
Anthony Walters, a District VP for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, was a guest of John Padgett
Fines and Penalties:
The referee blew his whistle and President Sally assessed numerous fines and penalties:
-
Sharon Laderberg paid a fine for announcing an upcoming fundraiser for the Susan B. Komen Society.
-
Winn Lewis took one for the team by being mentioned in the Huffington Post earlier this year for officiated a wedding ceremony
-
Marty Raiss paid official dispensation for her husband’s comments on a local TV station about the visit of the Holy Father.
-
Lynne Berg was fined for purchasing a new vehicle
-
Harry Taylor paid a tribute for returning to Virginia from the smoke filled corridors of Colorado.
-
David Brandt paid a fine for his daughter’s role in Sweet Briar’s Founding Day celebrations.
-
Jim Kitz paid a fine for excessive celebration during his 30 year Class reunion at West Point
-
Sigur Whitaker was penalized for a delay of game in preparing the index for her next book which will be published in the near future.
-
Walt Sobczyk paid a fine for receiving good news about his wife’s recent medical procedures
