The Program:
Sigur Whitaker was the Rotarian of the Day who introduced our speaker, Walter Hughes.
We were honored to welcome Walter Hughes at our meeting this week. Walter is a Rotarian and an Independent Missionary who with the help of Rotary Foundation International Grants, has made it his mission to provide clean water, better sanitation, and to educate the people of Ghana.
His goal is to build hope, which turns into peace, which in turn impacts poverty. All of this is focused on the children, the future of Ghana.
Dirty water is a key problem in Ghana. 25% of the people need clean water and 50% need plumbing for sanitation. Of all the water-borne deaths, 75% could be prevented.
While Mr. Hughes's goal was to drill 1 well, he ended up building many more. He collaborated with Rotary Clubs and Districts and set out to raise $15,000.
They build the wells in the worst areas to help the most people. When a well is built, there are 3 monumental moments for the community: when the drill first hits the water; when water flows from the hand pump; and long term, when there are healthier children.
The second goal was to provide better sanitation. Walter researched and discovered that the Gates Foundation had provided a grant to construct micro flush toilets. These toilets have no sewage, smell, or flies. So again, through Rotary International Foundation grants, we provided these micro flush toilets to the areas in most need.
Lastly, Walter and his team have provided the funding, and in some cases the labor for 9 schools. Six schools are completed and the last three he hopes will be completed by the start of the new year. Not only do they provide the building, but they also stock the library, provide clean water, and install micro flush toilets.
His story is comprised of 5 Concepts: Compassion, Passion, Story, Friendships, and Team. Compassion is empowering, passion keeps the fires burning, the story helps to enlist others, friendships are made that last a lifetime, and teamwork gets the job done.
The NRC will donate a book in Walter Hughes honor to Crossroads Elementary School.
The Meeting:
Vice President Michael Desplaines called the meeting to order at 12:30. We were led in song by Bob Heely with “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and “America the Beautiful.” Jim Sell gave the invocation.
Visitation Report:
Joe Massey reported that David Brandt’s daughter Hallsey has been very sick and was taken down to UNC for testing. The one good thing that came of this was that Hallsey’s boyfriend went down with them and has asked David permission to marry his daughter.
Club Business:
- Vice President Michael read out the November birthdays and we all sang “Happy Birthday”. He also read the list of November anniversaries both wedding and Rotary.
- Vice President Michael informed us that our Club was awarded the 2019-20 Platinum Citation Award which is given to Clubs who meet their Rotary goals. He also let us know that Past President Lorna Cochrane was presented with the Outstanding President’s Award.
- Chuck Spence is now a Charles Woodard Fellow, which is given to Rotarians who donate $1,000 to our Norfolk Rotary Foundation.
- Pam Tubbs gave us the date of Thursday, December 3rd for our Holiday Social which will be held at the restaurant Commune. It will be from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
- This year we will be postponing and possibly canceling the Annual Bob Latimer Hot Dog Day due to Covid.
- The Rotary District Conference is this weekend and you can still sign up virtually. This week’s Norfolk Rotary speaker, Walter Hughes will be one of the presenters.
- Vice President Michael told us of a community service project this Saturday from 9:30 – 11:00 am at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. This time of year, due to the cold, plants are moved inside with the help of volunteers. Please register online or call Michael. Also, please bring your gloves.
Happy Bucks:
- Vice President Michael asked if David Brandt was at the Zoom meeting as he has been actively promoting his new book, “Common Sense 2.0: A Revolution to Establish Real Equality and Restore America's Middle Class” available on Amazon.
- Vice President Michael also mentioned that our Rotary Club was mentioned in the latest EVMS magazine if Laurie Harrison would like to contribute.
- Eleanor Schoonover is “Happy” and donating $25 for getting over Covid.
- Barbara Lipski's is “Happy” because her family has grown by 2 – Ruth Michelle and Harbor Lois, both born in October.
- Jeff Wells is always “Happy” but especially today as we live in a country where we can vote freely.
- Pam Tubbs is “Happy” to invite Rotarians to join her outside of her home on Thursday where she will be playing the piano from 5:00 – 5:450pm for her neighborhood. It’s her Sunset Serenade.
