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VP Barbara Lipskis introduced Chic Robison as the Rotarian of the Day He was a graduate of VA Episcopal School and Hampton Sydney without distinction. He joined Rotary in 1972 and resigned quickly due to work demands in his professional banking career. He later retired and rejoined in 2012 and has always had a soft spot for giving back to the community, nation, and the greater world. He has been married to Kathy celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary this week. He has two married children, Charles who lives locally with their two granddaughters, and his daughter Katherine married a native Bostonian and lives in Beverly, MA. Dr. Henderson explained how the Jefferson lab is part of a national laboratory system advancing incredible capabilities in fundamental physical sciences, energy technologies, nuclear and national security, supercomputing, and a host of user facilities that are the envy of the world. This week, a scientific conference was taking place in downtown Norfolk hosting over 600 world-renowned scientific minds. Altogether the US Dept of Energy National Labs supports the research of more than 30,000 scientists each year. The Jefferson Lab operates the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility and has a twofold role: the nation’s Nuclear Physics Lab and the Nation’s lead lab for superconducting particle accelerators. The Jefferson Lab is over 30 years old with a staff of 850 and serves a scientific community of about 1,600 nuclear scientists and students. The mission is to explore the fundamental science of protons, neutrons, and atomic nuclei using CEBAF theory and supercomputing. The annual budget is approx. $200 million. The lab sites are on the 169-acre site in Newport News VA. 1/3 of US PhDs in Nuclear Physics annually are based on Jefferson Lab research. They support K-12 STEM programs which serve 12,000 students and 1,000 teachers each year. Dre. Henderson then walked us through what the world is made of and why we are here. From matter to molecule, atom, nucleus, protons, and neutron, and the surprising Quarks and Gluons. He then described the “periodic table” of fundamental particles for which 18 Nobel prizes in physics have been awarded. Quarks are unlike anything in our everyday experience. 1. They are never found alone 2. They have a force holding them together that takes a ton of force to separate them 3. The interior of the proton or neutron is in constant flux as they spontaneously emerge and disappear 4. The mass of the proton is 100X greater than the sum of the mass of the quarks of which it is comprised. The Jefferson Lab has the world's most advanced high-energy electron microscope. He then “walked” us through the lab highlighting the cryogenic refrigeration plant, recirculation arcs, cryomodules in the accelerator tunnel, and superconducting niobium radiofrequency cavities. He then explained how the electrons move through the particle accelerator.
Recent publications highlighted findings such as the radius of the proton being smaller than previously thought, the pressure inside the proton is higher than found in neutron stars, the measurement of neutrons in a Lead nucleus tells us about the size of neutron stars, and the proton’s mass is contained in a smaller volume than the proton’s charge. So, what does all this mean to Hampton Roads?
We have an incredible opportunity for economic development, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship in BIG DATA applications in Virginia by building a High-Performance Data Facility to provide researchers and innovators with the tools needed for big data offering a broad scientific focus on energy, environment fundamental science, health, medicine, and industrial applications.
Why is this type of research necessary? In Science, we are the world's Center for fundamental physics of protons, neutrons, and nuclei. In Technology, we are the nation's key provider of advanced superconducting accelerators and large-scale cryogenic systems. In the workforce, we inspire and train the next generation of scientists and engineers. In our region, we are central to the economy and development of HR a %590 m economic output and 3.450 jobs nationally, more than half in HR. INVITED GUESTS - Judge Joe Massey introduced the 6 seniors from Norfolk Academy who are pursuing a career in science.
- Chic Robison introduced the 3 seniors from Norfolk Collegiate and Maury HS seniors who are pursuing careers in science engineering, bio-medical tracks, and Physics. They were accompanied by Mr. Scott Kennedy, Headmaster of Norfolk Collegiate.
- Barb Lipskis introduced her guest, Retired Naval Captain Joe Sensi who commanded 3 ships, the USS Conserver, USS Thorn, and USS Kearsarge. He recently retired from his second career with General Dynamics Information Technology as Missile Defense Agency Liaison to the Atlantic Fleet
CLUB BUSINESS - Visitation Report by Linwood Beckner who along with Ben Mason visited Rotarians Cy Grandy, Bill LeHew, and Jim Baker. He suggested that taking leftover dessert to infirmed Rotarians is a great way to lift their spirits.
- 5 Female Rotarians helped with the Habitat for Humanity Women Build a House in Chesapeake. Many thanks to Kelli Stefanko, Laurie Harrison, Tristan Carter Warren, Libby Koller, and Marty Raiss for their participation and hard work. Everyone gained new skills!
- 5/21 is our End Polio Now Tides Game at Harbor Park – reserve your tickets today.
- 5/18 Suds and Buds event at the NBG. Ticket sales going well, more support is needed from the membership in the way of $20 wine bottle contributions. The wine has been pre-purchased at a discounted rate, but we still need donations to cover the cost don’t forget to please sign up for your volunteer shift.
- Last week when Charles Woodard Fellows were recognized two members were absent Gus Stuhlreyer and Bernie Cohen are present at this meeting for recognition and two members were inspired to increase their donations to become a Charles Woodard fellow.
- Remember to vote for the newly proposed member, Hank Thompson, Jr.
- Lorna Cochrane, Past Pres and Parliamentarian explained the annual overview of the bylaws and asked everyone to check their email for the updated version to be voted on in mid-June. Hard copies are available upon request from the Exec. Secretary, K Grinnan
- May 8th Rotary Board meeting was a joint meeting for the incoming officers to begin a seamless transition.
- Pres Laurie received a thank you note from the Hope House Foundation with photos of their new printed material made from the printer we funded.
HAPPY BUCKS - Eleanor Schroonover reported not having her pin and celebrating a wonderful family birthday celebration at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens
- Linwood Beckner celebrated his 45th wedding anniversary in Richmond and reported that he and his wife started dating in 1971 at Maury H.S
- Rob Sault celebrating his 40th reunion at Washington and Lee University and reported most of the guys had thinning hair.
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Mark your calendars for the seventh Suds & Buds party with a purpose on Thursday, May 18 starting at 5:30 p.m Presented by Virginia Natural Gas. The Rotary Club of Norfolk will partner with Norfolk Botanical Garden and Children's Hospital of The Kings Daughters to host what past guests have called "the best party ever." Proceeds will benefit all three organizations. 
