The Program
Rotarian Bob Heely led the annual Career Day program at the Town Point Club.
This program has been effective at introducing a wide variety of careers to high school students from Norfolk Public Schools since the 1970’s! It’s the creativity and imagination of the Rotarians who ensure success. Here are the Rotarians who participated this year: John Cameron, George Compo, Michael Desplaines, Chip Finch,Karen Gershman, Marilyn Gowen, Laurie Harrison, Bob Heely, Julie Keesling, Lois Kercher, Jim Kitz, Barbara Lipskis, Jim and Irene O’Brien, Marty Raiss, Steve Schultz, Diana Starkey, Kelly Stefanko, Chip Vogan, Diane Wallach, Jeff Wells and Bruce Wilcox
As usual, there were multiple requests for people connected with legal and medical careers; but there were also students interested in video editing, music performance, welding, marketing, and teaching English. Every year one is amazed at the seemingly minor details of careers which surprise and delight the students. The experience for all Rotarians is rewarding: either you receive the admiration of the young, or you appreciate the talents of your fellow Rotarians. Everyone is always a winner with this program!
The Meeting
John Cameron led us in a rousing Rotary song plus “God Bless America,” a perennial favorite! President Lorna led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test. Jeff Wells offered the invocation.
Our School of the Week is Chesterfield Academy.
Visitation/Introduction of Visitors
Jim O’Brien introduced Dave Hopkins, who is enabling Jim to retire. Dalton Dunbar introduced Lauren Kiger, a potential new member who has been with us before.
Joe New updated us on Jack Kavanaugh (having surgery on cancerous tumors in his throat), Fred Walker is in the rehabilitation phase and seems upbeat; Bill Jonak is well and expects to attend meetings.
Club Business
President Lorna introduced past president (and district governor) John Padgett who presented a Major Donor pin to Mal Branch. John reminded all that The Rotary Foundation (TRF) was started with $26.50 back in the dim time. TRF is now a highly praised philanthropic entity which has always received the highest rating from Charity Navigator. Mal joins six other Rotarians in our club who have contributed at least $10K to TRF.
Rotarian Dr. Marilyn Gowen, whose expertise is in infectious diseases, gave us an update on the coronavirus; “it’s NOT the flu!” She exhorted us to wash hands thoroughly for twenty seconds, cough into a sleeve or kleenex (and dispose of it), and “don’t visit Grandma!” She reminded us that children are carriers.
There were comments on the Dedication of the Little Reader’s Library and kitchen at the William A. Hunton YMCA on Monday, March 9th. Even James Rogers, the Deputy City Manager, came to thank the Rotarians who have made these spaces so useful (the kitchen) and welcoming (the library). Marty Raiss pointed out that Jeff Wells and Ann Baldwin have spearheaded the efforts.
Happy Bucks & Fines
Sigur Whitaker started off with happy bucks for the Hunton YMCA. Jeff Wells also put in happy bucks because when working on the YMCA, he was ‘never alone.’ Rachel Bellis contributed because the legislature passed a bill having to do with dog tethers; one bill made it illegal to tie up a dog in extreme weather. (It’s too bad that people don’t have the common sense to take care of their pets.) Barry Kesser was happy to announce the birth of his seventh grandchild, whom he announced was already enrolled in the gifted and talented program of the nursery. Jim O’Brien was headed to his retirement party for working twenty-six years with Edward Jones; Jim also served twenty-six years in the U. S. Navy. Then President Lorna started calling out members who neglected to put their Rotary pins on. Our Sergeant-at-Arms, Lisa Chandler, was scrambling to pull out her own money while collecting from others.
Conclusion
President Lorna thanked Bob Heely, the teachers and students, as well as the Rotarians who had taken the students out for the experience. Many photos and selfies were taken. Next week (St. Patrick’s Day), our speaker is Bob Batcher, Executive Director of Prime Plus Senior Center.
