At June 20, 2023, Rotary Club of Norfolk luncheon President Laurie Harrison recalled how at the beginning of her term she “imagined what will happen, what will be accomplished and how the year would play out.” With her year ending, the meeting’s speakers and slide show proved that the club had a great year with many accomplishments.

 

Laurie thanked 2021-22 President Michael Desplaines for his support and the experience of being his “Rotary Wife” – a role she is ready to relinquish. She acknowledged the contributions of the 2022-23 club board and asked each member to share their accomplishments as part of the club’s Year in Review program.

 

Jeff Wells, President-elect, reinvigorated club participation by creating a Rotary float that more than 30 members enjoyed marching with during Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade. He led the Norfolk Rotary Charities Committee, which donated $25,000 to area charities. In addition, a District Grant helped create a sensory gym at St. Mary’s Home, female Club members helped build  Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads home in Chesapeake, and an international grant project in Ethiopia is underway.

 

Barbara Lipskis, Vice-President in Charge of Programs, considered herself Laurie’s  Rotary sister and “partner in crime” as she highlighted the speakers she helped arrange. During the year, 22 speakers enlightened the club on a variety of topics ranging from health and education to business and nonprofits with an average 4.1/5 approval rating for each presenter.

 

Dave Duncan, Secretary Treasurer, led strategic planning and monitored the Club  budget. He acknowledged the support of Gus Stuhlreyer and Angela Kerns and the Finance Committee, Club Executive Assistant Karen Grinnan and Club Bookkeeper Robyn Bailey.

 

Barb Lifland, Administration Director, handled club business oversite, including purging the club’s office in anticipation of an upcoming move and tracking down and uploading missing minutes. Laura Beth DeHority speaking for Barb, thanked Laurie for her support, Lisa Chandler for assessing office contents, Alan Nelson and the House Committee, and George Compo for his help in removing the “storage Box/coffin.”

 

Marty Raiss, Fellowship Director, in a statement read by Laurie acknowledged the work of meeting greeters and the music committee with Pam Tubbs at the keyboard. Thanks to Mark Shaw and Linwood Beckner, club members enjoyed social gatherings in the Beckner home, Harbors Edge, Virginia Stage Company, and Harbor Park for a Tides game. The year will end with a social in the home of Chick Robison home.

 

Sharon Laderberg, Public Image Director, with the assistance of Joey Rothgery and Tom Ambler completed resolutions for several club members who had passed. A special meeting focused on our Club endowment and Charles Woodard Fellowship. There are now 38 Charles Woodard Fellows (people who have donated $1,000 or more to the club endowment) with five added this year after the special session. Sally Hartman was instrumental in assisting with the documentation of our Club history in addition organizing the weekly scribe duties. After years of managing our website, Sigur Whitaker handed over the task to Jim Tucker.

 

Lauren Kiger, Membership Director, celebrated the 15 new members who joined the Club in this Rotary year. She mentioned Chick Robison who brought in the most members. Lauren also noted the movement of newer members from their red to blue badges and gave a shout-out to their sponsors.

 

Chris Bugg, Fundraising Director, highlighted efforts that raised more than $100,000 in funds at Growlfest, the golf fundraiser, and Suds & Buds. Chris thanked Tom Koller for his leadership at these events, the Norfolk Botanical Garden staff, and the many committee members. He encouraged Rotarians to visit and support the food vendors who participated at Suds & Buds.

 

Kelly Stefanko, Community and International Service Director reported 2,112 hours of volunteer service hours from club members. Jeff Ryder reported in Kelly’s absence that all volunteer hours were entered through DACdb to Rotary District 7600. Kelly acknowledged the dedication and work to gain the district grant for St. Mary’s Home and the International Grant in Ethiopia by Eleanor Schoonover and Burhanu Mengitsu. Diane Wallach again heads up the Tiel Student Exchange. Rotarians participated in service projects at PrimePlus, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia Stage Company, Growlfest, Hunger, Rotary Golf Fundraiser at Cypress Point, the Grand Illumination parade, the Foodbank, the Salvation Army Christmas distribution, Suds and Buds, and
Habitat for Humanity.

 

Tom Ambler, Vocational Service Director reported on the submission for eight District Awards with winners to be announced in July. Our club sent one Interact student to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards retreat. Our annual Career Day was again a success with Rotarians giving students from Norfolk schools a glimpse into their potential careers. Students then attended a Rotary meeting and shared essays they wrote about their experiences.

 

Lorna Cochrane, Parliamentarian recognized the contributions of the Bylaws Review Committee in reviewing and updating the club bylaws. She noted how each member brought valuable perspective and expertise. Lorna thanked the committee and other Rotarians who offered feedback, comments, and assisted in the writing or advising on proposed amendments.

 

President Harrison acknowledged the generosity of Rotarians throughout the year and thanked the Board for their support and dedication.

 

President Elect Jeff Wells reminded Rotarians that the installation and first meeting of the 2023-24 Rotary year will be on July 11th and highlighted some changes to Directorships in the new term.

 

Announcements:
Chris Bugg, Suds and Buds 2023 chairman acknowledged the success of Suds & Buds party, the club’s major fundraiser with $36,000+ raised. Funds were split equally among the three partners, including Norfolk Rotary Charities. Chris presented checks to Lauren Kiger representing Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and Michael Desplaines for Norfolk Botanical Garden.