The UpCenter

The Program:

VP of Programs Laurie introduced Barbara Lipski as the Rotarian of the day. Barbara has been a member of Rotary since 2009. What she most enjoys about Rotary is the members are like-minded and service-oriented. A fun fact about Barbara is that she has been married to Don for 43 years. Had four children in three years and has seven grandchildren.

Barbara introduced Tina Gill, President & CEO of The UpCenter since 2014. Tina's biography is broad and impressive. Barbara shared a few fun facts about Tina, a toss-up of which she enjoys more a good meal or a good book.

Tina's presentation on The UpCenter included an overview of The UpCenter, a child and family services organization serving our community since 1883, almost 140 years. Today, they have 20 programs for children and families and act as a safety net with 5 locations, 150 employees, and serve over 10,000 people per year.

Tina expanded on programming offered throughout our community. The areas of concentration include programs for children, for families- including housing and financial counseling and foreclosure prevention, for people with disabilities, and mental health. An exciting fact Tina shared is that during COVID-19, they have doubled their staffing size to help families through the foreclosure and eviction process with a 93% success rate.

Tina dove into the mental health program as 1 out of 5 people have suffered from mental health challenges, 60% do not receive treatment, half of the mental health issues begin before the age of 14, and two in three children with depression do not receive treatment. The UpCenter considered this the cornerstone of who they are, and they invest heavily in this area.

During COVID-19, they transitioned to 90% of assistance through telehealth, partnered with United Way, and began an early childhood home visiting program that includes offering doula serves. Tina shared a video with us on their new facility in Virginia Beach - The Steven A. Cohen Military Clinic at The UpCenter. (A link to video will be provided at the end of the Newsletter.)

The Rotarians had several questions for Tina. Jim thanked Tina for such a compassionate presentation, the Rotarians stayed on-line although the meeting rang long.

The NRC will donate a book in Tina Gill and The UpCenter's honor to Coleman Place Elementary School.

The Meeting: Jim rang the bell to begin the meeting at 12:32. Chuck lead the club in singing ROTARY and America The Beautiful. Jim led "The Four-Way Test," followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Chuck gave the invocation.

Visitation Report: Marty's husband, George, was in the hospital but is out and doing fine. Chuck asked for prayers for his grandson, who is in Children's Hospital for a stem-cell transfusion. His grandson is a senior at Cape Henry.

Introduction of Guest: Barbara Lipski welcomed fellow board members from The UpCenter – Jim and Ann.

Announcement and Club Business:

Jim conducted a Norfolk Rotary Zoom Poll regarding the Holiday Social. The results came in at 79% voted yes to having an event; 70% prefer an evening event, 93% prefer appetizer versus a meal, and 58% would not bring a guest.
Jim announced the club had a strong turnout for the Foodbank service event.
Walt announced two upcoming events – join us for the Clean-up the park on Thursday, 10/22 at 9 am at Poplar Park, and Norfolk Botanical Garden - get the Greenhouses in order in mid-November.
Jim's On-line Polio Auction continues this week with two items: homemade, made from scratch Limoncello which went to Lisa Chandler for $85, and a VIP package to the Virginia Arts Festival production of Judy Collins streamed concert from Chrysler Hall on Oct 23 & 24, Joe Massey won the bidding for $85.

Happy Bucks/Fines

Barbara gave happy bucks for a new grandbaby girl.
Happy Bucks from Sigur for her brother, who received the Professor of the year designation from Prince George's Community College.
Chris gave happy bucks for Temple and Navy conference games.
Jim O'Brien gave happy bucks for his wager with President Jim in regards to Army vs. Navy football game.

Cohen Clinic Virginia Beach Video Tour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xwc936IJtU

Meeting adjourned at 1:44 pm

Celebrate World Polio Day

The question is why did Rotary International establish October 24 as World Polio Day? Since 1986, Rotarians have been fighting this feared disease trying to eradicate it from the earth. Even though there have been a few more cases this year and the global pandemic has greatly slowed Rotary’s immunization attempts, there are only two countries in the world which still have poliomyelitis—Pakistan and Afghanistan.

So why October 24? That was the day Jonas Salk was born. He developed the first polio vaccine which stopped polio in the United States. Until that time, parents feared that their children would be stricken with this feared disease which could cause paralysis and sometimes even death. Several members of our club are polio survivors.

In celebration of World Polio Day, there is a telethon featuring RI President Holger Knaack, Dr. Peter Salk (the son of Jonas Salk), and others. There will be music and an auction. It starts at 10:45 a.m. and will conclude at 2:00 p.m. It will be live streamed on Facebook. Registration is on DACdb.

If you would like to make a contribution to the effort to eradicate polio, we are running a Norfolk Rotary special on World Polio Day. Remember that any contributions would be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The contribution has to be made through My Rotary, then the club will match your contribution with points. That can help you achieve the first level of the Paul Harris Fellowship or to obtain the next level. Contributions of $50 to $500 will be matched. All Rotarians with the exception of those at a PHF + 8 level are eligible.

The Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, say, and do:

1) Is it the TRUTH?

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?