The Meeting
Bob Heely was the Rotarian of the Day and led the Career Visitation Day report out. Five Norfolk High Schools participated in the career visitation with about 14 students. Each student had a different interest and a different takeaway after the visit. The one common theme that came out of the visit was the students enjoyed spending time in their respective professions, solidifying their future professions based jointly on their interest, and the sponsors’ enthusiasm and professionalism. Norfolk Public Schools representative Mitzi Nuckles said a few words about the students and the program, saying the students gained tremendous insight from their experience, then penned great essays describing their visits.
A few excerpts by Bob Heely from the essays: Jessica Hopper was trying to decide on a medical career as her main interest and asked lots of questions before and during her two hours at CHKD. Celine Mahavaj went to Sentara General and heard Ed Lilly say “Listen to the patient, they are telling you the diagnosis”. Tanya Scott went to Elizabeth City to tour the Coast Guard station and learned about Military Occupational Specialties from a Master Chief. Erica Kukanich went to court (which was "very different from high school") and watched as two people were sentenced to prison. Adriana Camel learned that people don’t need someone to talk to them so much as they need someone to listen to them. Participants were thankful for their experiences, gained tremendous insight, learned about the Rotary, plus they had fun!
The four winners then read their essays; here are a few points from each: Devin Calpo was interested in Government and shadowed Kelly Stefanko. He captured that major change can be started within the government and in serving the community. Courtney Doyle learned about why she serves and that it’s important to listen to people. Gabrielle Richardson, who shadowed Drs. Marilyn and C. W. Gowen, is interested in medical research, particularly Pediatrics and Doctor without Borders. She was appreciative of the inside view of the medical profession and the care and summarized her visit as quick but insightful. Kayla Delpino was also interested in the medical field; she toured the Cancer unit and the Simulation Center with surgical and arthroscopic suite with Laurie Harrison and former Rotarian, Ed Lilly. She also visited the CHKD and Sentara Emergency rooms, commenting "this is a great experience and a dream career." Elise Kingry, a math and science wiz, spent her time at ODU with the “Strange Grandfather” rocket scientist, Bob Ash. Our grandfather succeeded in getting this young lady involved with a discussion of funneling students into the engineering course and his committee meeting to entice youth to attend a specific event. Her six-page essay closed with the highlights of trying on a space suit, working with rocket scientists, and increasing her self-confidence by contributing to university level discussions. In all, a great exchange between future leaders and the club's ambassadors during this career discovery event.
The Meeting
President Pam Tubbs called the meeting to order at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club and off we went!
The club members and guests were led in song by Chip Vogan and Frank Whitman. Mike Goldsmith’s mom was mentioned during the visitation report. Dalton Dunbar introduced club members with guests (and what a bunch we had for the great program!):
- Bob Kuhlo introduced his wife Mary Nell and a neighbor Melha Ingram
- Laurie Harrison introduced former Rotarian Ed Lilly
- Jeff Wells re-introduced his daughter Madison, who has visited recently
- Chip Vogan introduced Severn Kellam
- Joe New introduced former Rotarian Earle Bortell
- Ned Alderman introduced Bernadine Brown
- Bob Heely introduced Norfolk Public Schools reps Mitzi Nuckles and Gwen Collins
- High School students: Lenee Wade, Tanya Scott, Jessica Hopper, Celine Mahavaj, Elise Kingry, Gabrielle Richardson, Jennifer Waters, Devin Calpo, Brandon Rosenbaum, Beonce Craynn-Taylor, Relena Turner, Lijma Gray, Erica Kukanich, Adriana Camel, Chianne Hamel, Nichole, Edmonds, Kayla Delpino
Tami Aloisa provided a quick update on Suds and Buds. Tami sent out an email earlier in the day with a link to the S&B promotional postcard.
President Pam introduced the General Manager of the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, Ken Underwood. Ken told us about the establishment of the club in 1896 and the various moves and changes it has gone through over the last century plus. The changes continue with making the pool for salt water and the updating the fitness center. The racquet sport complex is undergoing a change to allow use in colder months with a removable tent and in 2020 the 50-year old club house will be renovated for the first time.
Happy Bucks were kept short to allow more time for the program:
- Bob Ash (not in attendance) for a new car
- George Nottingham voted top Wealth Advisor (1/4 page spread in Sunday's Virginian-Pilot)
- Bob and Mary Kuhlo 40th Wedding Anniversary
- Shep Miller (not in attendance) previously promised to follow-up the 100-year Maury HS win with healthy donation; we're waiting to see what it will be…
- Past President Gary Boswick celebrated having Ed Lily back for a short visit
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Back by popular demand at our May 17 Suds & Buds party will be the charity wine pull. To make it work, we need club members to each donate at a meeting a bottle of wine valued at $20 or more. Or, donate $20 and our wine committee will buy the wine for you. Wine bottles will be bagged and numbered and guests at the party will pay $20 and take home a mystery bag of wine. Proceeds will benefit our Rotary Club, Norfolk Botanical Garden and Lee's Friends. The wine pull sold out quickly at last year's Suds & Buds and netted more than $2,000.