Committee Reports on Year-to-Date Accomplishments and Plans
Our speaker January 23, 2024 was President Jeff Wells for our “Annual Meeting” who moderated reports from our committees on their year-to-date accomplishments and plans.
President-Elect. Barbara Lipskis reported that the Norfolk Rotary Charities Grants Committee is now considering grants. There will be one $25,000 grant and several smaller grants. Literacy for K-5 students is a focus this year.
Vice President. Programs Director Dave Duncan highlighted prior speakers and asked for suggestions for future speaker presentations.
Secretary / Treasurer: LauraBeth DeHority reported that the club voted in favor of Emeritus membership classification and LauraBeth encouraged members to pay bi-annual dues ASAP.
Immediate Past President. Immediate Past President Laurie Harrison reported a slate of officers and directors for 2024-2025 was arranged and was pleased to report the Raffle being brought back.
Administration. Administration Director Barbara Lifland reported ongoing efforts to improve office administration and thanked our employee Karen for her work.
Fellowship. Fellowship Director Jim Tucker reported things were going well with arranging Greeters, Music Leaders and Chaplains for each meeting and that our 2023 Holiday Luncheon was well-received.
Public Image. Public Image Director Bob Batcher reported progress with using social media for us to be an influencer with the public and that our social media presence can help with recruiting new younger members.
Membership. Membership Director Mark Shaw echoed Bob Batcher’s comments that our events coverage on Instagram had helped with recruiting new young members.
Fundraising. Fundraising Director Tom Koller reported we had a successful Suds and Buds in May 2023 and was setting a goal of raising $46,000 with the 2024 Suds and Buds fundraiser on May 16, 2024.
Community Service. Community Service Director Jeff Ryder reported we had accomplished numerous good service projects (too many for your humble scribe to list) and he was working on future service projects.
International Service. International Service Director Eleanor Schoonover reported the $30,000 grant for the Ethiopian Deep Well project was still in progress and negotiations/selection were underway for the 2024 Teal international exchange of students.
Youth & Vocational Service. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to hear this report from Director Rob Sult.
The Meeting
Pam Tubbs and Sigur Whitaker led the music with the foot-stomping, handclapping and shouting number “If You Are Happy and You Know It”.
Sharon Laderberg led the invocation before our meal.
Ben Mason gave the visitation report and reported that long-time Rotary member Fred Walker passed away. He pointed out that Joe Massey was back today after missing several meetings for health reasons.
Rotarians with Guests. Sally Hartman introduced Dr. Susan Girois, Director of Norfolk Health District. Marty Reiss introduced Vanessa Lim, a Senior Student. Bob Ash introduced two (2) Norview students with him, Tyrone McCoy and Chris Williams. Sigur Whitaker introduced Ina Diepold, a possible new member.
Club Business
- President Jeff Wells welcomed everyone and asked those willing to support Special Olympics with their annual Polar Plunge on February 3rd. The Raffle was held with a prize of two tickets to ODU basketball plus VIP wristbands for the February 24th game.
- Emeritus Status was approved by Rotary Club of Norfolk Rotarians in a voice vote after brief discussion. Emeritus Status may be awarded to those Rotarians who were long term exemplary members of the Club and who, for various reasons, can no longer actively participate in regular meetings/events.
Rotarian of the Day Dave Duncan introduced our speaker, President Jeff Wells, who moderated reports from our committees on their year-to-date accomplishments and plans. Dave has been a member of Rotary since 1980 and a member of our club since 2020. He is married to wife Linda Duncan, and they live in Chesapeake, Virginia.
