The Program
Rotarian of Day Marty Raiss introduced guest speaker Bob Batcher, PrimePlus Executive Director since 2017 and only fourth person in that position in 52 years. Batcher noted that Barbara Lifland was instrumental in shaping PrimePlus. Prior to PrimePlus Bob was Communications Manager for City of Norfolk during which he hosted a popular interview show on Channel 48.
Located at the Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center, Batcher described its mission as assisting older adults with a more productive quality of life, while living independently in their community. Senior and disabled residents are offered nutrition, transportation, fitness, socialization and education services through an Active Adult Program and Adult Day Service Program.
Dealing with the CV19 pandemic over last two months has been a “roller coaster,” Bob said. It has underscored the technology divide of elderly as well as their urgent needs such as access to healthy foods and exercise. This situation has greatly accelerated PrimePlus adoption of an all virtual format option, which went live this week. It will continue as a parallel to their in-person services. Batcher kicked off the virtual format with a segment that depicts a day-in-the life of PrimePlus.
The Meeting
President Lorna convened the luncheon with recitation of pledge of allegiance and four-way test. Sigur Whitaker delivered the invocation. Musical accompaniment was provided by John Cameron on guitar with vocals to “Keep on Sunny Side of Life.”
Visitation report was delivered by Joey Rothgery. Tim Lawrence, Fred Walker and Jack Frost are doing well.
One guest, Ashley Molinaro, a transfer to Washington DC area club, participated.
President Lorna noted that Friday would have been Suds & Buds. She thanked co-chairs Jeff Wells and Konnor Pritchard who are already at work on 2021.
Jim Kitz reported that Food Bank donations are now $8,650. Ed Ware is hosting a Pop Up Social at Mermaid Winery from 5:30 to 7 pm May 26.
Laurie Harrison noted that the Club has applied for a District 7600 grant related to CV19 pandemic to purchase 600 copper infused masks for EVMS.
A vote on prospective member Lauren Kiger, CHKD, will take place next meeting.
Happy Bucks:
- Inside Business Power List Shep Miller and Lisa Chandler;
- Chick Robison is celebrating his 46th anniversary.
- Bill Gresham’s company lifting boulders with a crane at Norfolk Botanical Gardens (NBG);
- Michael Desplaines, US postage stamp of NBG publicity;
- Gus Stuhlreyer is celebrating his 43d wedding anniversary;
- Eleanor Schonover has a new granddaughter;
- Carlise Wroten remembered 2019 District 7600 golf tournament champs Bill Moore, Mark Shaw and Bob Powell ;
- Winston Groom’s granddaughter received PHD from Regent University;
- Barbara Lifland’s grandson graduated UVA;
- Bob Ash’s grandchildren came for a visit;
- Ann Baldwin’s grandson received graduate degree UNC-Wilmington and has taken job with EPA.
Congratulations go to the Awesomeness Personified team for winning the first Rotary Club of Norfolk Zoom trivia challenge on May 21. More than 20 club members, family and friends -- including one couple celebrating their wedding anniversary -- had socially distant fun while challenging their brains. Our quizmaster and host was Kareem Texler, a high school teacher and Rotary Interact Club advisor in Henrico County, who volunteered his time and expertise in exchange for voluntary donations to Interact's COVID-relief fundraising efforts.