Splish! Splash!

On a typical hot and humid July afternoon, the Tiel exchange students joined with Norfolk Rotarians to give dogs at the Norfolk SPCA the spa treatment—a cooling bath. Others made doggie treats including popsicles which will be enjoyed by the dogs at the shelter. Pictured above are the four Tiel exchange students giving some attention to one of the Norfolk SPCA's dogs.

Satellite Club's Initiative To Teach Girls To Code

Norfolk Rotary’s satellite club has taken the initiative to bring Girls Who Code to the youth of the Norview community and surrounding area. Girls Who Code is a nonprofit formed in 2012 by Reshma Saujani to increase the number of women in computer science. The mission is clear: to close the gender gap in tech and change the image with associated with programming and IT through education and empowerment. Since then, Girls Who Code has impacted 185,000 girls directly and more than a million indirectly through initiates in schools and communities that bring STEM opportunities to the underrepresented groups of the next generation. The program aims to teach girls, from 3rd grade through high school, vital skills in programming, leadership, and teamwork.

The Satellite club has secured a location at the Norview Community Center and are in the process of finalizing paperwork with Girls Who Code so we can begin enrolling students. They aim to be operational by September and seek to serve at least 24 girls this upcoming school year and ensure the future of tech is inclusive and accessible to all.

The Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, say, and do:

1) Is it the TRUTH?

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Tiel Exchange Students Visit Norfolk

Posted by David Brandt

Pictured above in the front row are Diane Wallach, Tiel Exchange Chair, and President Lorna. The back row has the four Tiel exchange participants.

The Program

We welcomed the four students participating in this year’s Tiel exchange – Floris van Zon, Mees Galjé, Jan Jurriën van Duijnhoven, and Lars Bosen. They shared some history of their hometown, telling us that Tiel is among the Netherland’s oldest towns, a center of trade, and is known as the City of Fruit. Like Norfolk, it is surrounded by water and has two very active Rotary Clubs with more than 40 members each.

While they had only arrived days earlier, each of the students said they were taken aback by the vast numbers of fast food restaurants and the sheer size of everything. One student in particular was determined to get a ride in a Ford Mustang before he returned home!

Among the activities the club has planned for their young guests:

Volunteering at the Southeastern Virginia Food Bank and the SPCA
At least two trips to the beach and a little surfing
Tour of the naval base
Attending a Tides game
Shopping
Tour of Washington DC

The Meeting

After song, pledge, and prayer, Chick Robison provided the visitation report. We learned that Jean Owens really misses attending Rotary meetings. Unable to drive, she would be grateful to any fellow Rotarians who might be able to help her join us. And while declining health prevents Bob Latimer from attending meetings, he would be happy to welcome any visitors.

Among guests, Joe New was accompanied by his wife, Barbara, and granddaughter Sierra. During announcements, we learned fellow Rotarian – and the longest standing member of our club – Bill Jonak was celebrating his 90^th birthday. Barbara Lifland was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow +4. Also, members are asked to fill out the survey that was emailed to them. And finally, we bid a sad farewell to Jos Hekking who is returning home to the Netherlands.

Happy Bucks:

Sigur Whitaker and Chuck Spence just returned from touring Europe as members of the Christ & St. Lukes Choir.
Judge Wilcox announced an anonymous donation to the club, though he hinted as to its origin when he said that it was from someone in the club who was returning home to the Netherlands!

The Drawing

Sharon Laderberg drew the winning ticket from the drawing, but not the winning card, so the pot continues to grow.

Barbara Lifland Supports The Rotary Foundation

Barbara Lifland was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow + 4 pin by Jim Kitz in recognition of her generous support of The Rotary Foundation. Through her charitable gifts, she enables The Rotary Foundation to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. Many thanks, Barbara, for your long term commitment to The Rotary Foundation.

Growl Fest

Come get your growl on at the Virginia Zoo on September 14.

It's almost that time of year again! Join us for a fun-filled evening of animals, beer, food trucks, a DJ and games. This is our second biggest fundraiser of the year.

How can you help? It takes many hands to pull off this event. Sign up either at a club meeting or on line.

Bring your family and friends to Growl Fest.

This year, we also have sponsorships available! See Bryce Burton for a sponsorship form for anyone wanting to gain exposure at this amazing family friendly event at the zoo. The previous three years, we exceed 1,500 people at Growl Fest. That is great exposure for your company!