This week’s speaker was our own President Michael Desplaines who spoke to us about a trip to India that he made many years ago as part of a Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange. It’s a program that offers a unique cultural and vocational opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. It provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries.

 

For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country’s culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

 

President Michael’s message centered on how Rotary service changes lives. Currently, Rotary International is the largest NGO in the world with 1.2 million members in more than 150 countries. It supports a variety of causes, and which will likely touch an area of interest for most members. Through an array of club partnerships, Michael shared with us photos from his trip where they saw Rotary in action through Blood Banks that provide not just the gift of life but also screening for a wide range of diseases.

 

He also shared examples of much-needed schools, vocational training centers, orphanages, and a center to teach mothers and their deaf children sign language. It was a fascinating look at Rotary in action and made us all proud to be Rotarians.

 

 

After songs, pledge, and prayers, Brian McGuire gave the visitation report, informing members that Ann Baldwin is doing much better and even did a handstand in the pool a few days ago! Jason Drane’s daughter is doing better after being treated at CHKD and Duke. She has a rare condition that makes it difficult for her body to process glucose. Please keep Colin McKinnon’s daughter in your thoughts and prayers as she is about to undergo cranioplasty surgery to replace a piece of her skull. Finally, Will King is doing PT, making progress, and hopes to return to Rotary meetings very soon.

 

Bryce Burton introduced our two guests, Carol Labstain, a guest of John Cameron, and Zach Christopher who was accompanied by Dianna Starkey. 

 

President Michael announced that the response to the club’s email about committee assignments has not seen a great deal of responsibility and is urging members to email the club back with their choice of desired committees. And now for some big news! Jim Kitz attended the District Awards and Installation ceremony where the Rotary Club of Norfolk received a great many accolades, including the:

 

 

A special thanks to Jim, Sigur, and Walt for all they have done to contribute to the club’s success. The district also acknowledged Sigur Whitaker for her two years of service as District Governor. Taking over in that role is Debbie Wells who will be visiting our club later this fall. 

 

Finally, the club welcomed a new member, Robert Sult, and bid a sad farewell to Bryce Burton who is moving to Florida.