It's still cold & damp down here in the hallowed subterranean catacombs of Norfolk's famed "Kaleidoscope"!  It may be just a big inverted bowl to you; but it's 'home' to scores of hungry Norfolk Rotarians - so...let's descend to the lower level', stand in line for a bit, and see what our talented Chef has prepared for our Tuesday enjoyment.

 

There may be a chill in the late March air, but there's a cheerful glow on the many faces that mill about the lower lobby.  Place a check-mark by your name, try to remember your table number, and follow me to the Groaning Board there at the far wall.  Step lively now!  It's nearly time for the brass bell to tinkle.  Sigur has that impatient look in her eye.  Fill your bowl and take your seat; Bob Heely is approaching the microphone and he's humming a familiar tune.  Let's all stand and sing!  Hallelujah!

 

Now for the 'Happy Bucks'... Bill Davis expresses gratitude for Rotary's recent Grant to the McArthur Memorial, which will help honor some of the military heroes of World War II; Dianne Wallach is 'happy' that the recent Norfolk Botanical Gardens event that she chaired went so well; and Marty Raiss reminded us that there'd be another rendezvous opportunity on April 19, from 2:30 'til 4:00, when many of us will gather at the Norfolk Zoo to toast the exotic animals.

 

We're reminded that there are still some handsome Rotary 'shirts' on hand and available for sale.  Take a look after the meeting.  I'll bet we've got your size!  Jennifer Palestrant is proud to report that she has taken a job, in Marketing, with our Chamber of Commerce; Jim O'Brien reported that he has acquired  a residence in far away White Sulfur Springs (No.  He's not being run out of Tidewater!).  Marty Raiss proffered a handful of Happy Bucks for the privilege of bragging on ODU's winning ways among the 'March Madness' basketball contenders.  M. Albert Carmichael wanted to remind the Group that he had again been honored with an award from the Realtors-of-the-World for his professional accomplishments as a Broker with the Harvey Lindsay group.  He seems to capture that Trophy on an annual basis.  Nice going, Al!  Mark Johnson asked to share some of the limelight in celebration of his own award for professional accomplishment.  Nice going, Ladies and Gents.  We're proud of you!

 

John McLemore was given the honor of introducing our luncheon speaker; and opened with the old cliche: "someone who needs no introduction"; but he went on to eulogize our 'speaker' anyway!  The give-away was when he noted that "Good things often come in small packages!" and, yes...he was talking about our own talented Member, Kay Kemper, President & owner of Kemper Consulting, a group of highly-regarded, professional Lobbyists, active in the Virginia State Legislature and a long-time Member and past President of the Norfolk Rotary  Club.

 

Kay is a local resident, married to Denny Parker, and holder of a Masters Degree from Old Dominion University (ODU).  She joined our Rotary Club back in 1988, as one of the Club's first 'woman' members, later to become our first woman President.  After a long and distinguished career as a member of the Administrative team at ODU, particularly active in representing the University In the Legislative Halls of the Commonwealth's Capitol in Richmond, she opened her own Firm in the late 80's and now leads a Staff of seven professionals representing corporations and municipalities before the Legislature.  

 

She has recently returned from representing a wide range of clients at the semi-annual, short (45 days) Legislative session, which she notes concluded, for the first time in 15 years, a day early!  She also notes that the 'Budget', uniquely, was completed and available for review 48 hours before being put to a vote!  Both of these were said to have been goals of the Legislature's Republican majority. 

 

The approved Budget contained salary increases for state employees in several categories, pre-payments to a 'rainy-day' fund and a substantial $141 million for capital projects and reserves and was, still, $758 million less than the budget considered a year earlier!  There were also sums set aside for mental health services, contributions to the Teacher Retirement Plan, Higher Education and set asides for Natural Resources and Land Conservation efforts.  Locally there were substantial funds directed to EVMS, Jefferson Lab, CHKD, and Early Education.  Funds were also provided to deal with 'encroachment' problems at two airfields.  

 

Also addressed in the Budget documents were the issues of Ethics, Campus Sexual Assault, and a number of Transportation matters.  Transportation Network Companies (such as 'Uber'!) also received attention; as did Standards of Learning reform and Day Care regulation.  Issues involving Dominion Electric, Natural Gas Pipelines, and Medical Marijuana were addressed.  Also in focus were School Bake Sales, Plastic Bags & Balloons, and the adoption of two new State Songs: "Sweet Virginia Breeze" and "Our Great Virginia".  Ms. Kemper declined to sing either!!!

 

The Governor will review and sign off on all legislation by midnight on March 29th; keeping his fingers crossed and expectantly awaiting the Reconvened "Veto" Session scheduled for April 15th!

 

Kay closed by reminding us that June 9 is Statewide Primary Day and November 3 is Election Day,  when all 140 General Assembly seats are up for election - just in time for the opening of the 2016 General Assembly on January 13, 2016!!!