The Program
Rotarian of Day Sally Hartman introduced guest speaker Chrysler Museum Director Erik Neil. Since his arrival in 2014, Neil has reaffirmed strong community focus of institution and revitalized the exhibition program. The Chrysler has made significant strides in digital technology and diversity, while maintaining sound fiscal operations. Erik shared that he is a former Rotarian and his daughter received a Rotary scholarship to attend Oxford University.
The museum is now poised to mount national travel exhibits, which will start with “Thomas Jefferson Architect: Palladian Models, Democratic Principles and Conflict of Ideas,” on view from October 19 to January 19, 2020. Jim O'Brien is organizing a tour for the club October 30. Neil said Thomas Jefferson engaged with the most advanced ideas of architecture and city planning of his era. He was also a slave owner who failed to resolve his ideals about freedom and democracy with his reliance upon institution of slavery. The exhibit will examine these conflicts. The show will also feature examples of the work of Andrea Palladio, whose work deeply influenced Jefferson. Palladio’s Pantheon was an inspiration for Jefferson’s work at UVA. Palladio Museum in Vicenza, Italy, collaborated with Chrysler on show and loaned several models that will be on display.
Neil also noted that 75% to 80% of current Chrysler collection is from the estate of Walter Chrysler of which about one-third is glass art. The most valuable piece in collection is an original Matisse but since it will never be sold, the value cannot be determined. A capital campaign will soon be underway to double the size of glass art studio.
A book was presented on behalf of speaker to school of day Sherwood Forest Elementary.
The Meeting
President Lorna convened the luncheon with recitation of pledge of allegiance and four-way test and Mike Goldsmith delivered the invocation. Musical accompaniment was provided by John Cameron and Frank Whitman with “Hey Look Me Over” and ‘’Shine on Harvest Moon.”
Visitation report was delivered by Bob Heely.
Dean Rogis announced guest introductions: visiting Rotarian Donnie Drummonds from the Springdale, AK club; Julie Keesling introduced her neighbor Linda Wheltan; and former member Cynthia Carter-West was the guest of Lorna Cochrane.
President Lorna announced proposed slate of officers for 2020-2021 as well as that new membership categories are being considered and possible Facebook Live or You Tube recording of speakers for future meetings.
Updates were given on upcoming community service opportunities as well as socials noted. Cynthia Carter-West offered discounted tickets to “The Band’s Last Visit,” musical coming to Chrysler Hall October 29-November 3 using code: USA. Suds & Buds third party applications are being vetted by committee and recommendation expected soon
Happy Bucks:
- Bob Kuhlo, photo with signage for Rotary co-founder Elmer Shirley's home in Litchfield, Maine;
- Bill Davis has returned from an Italian vacation;
- John Searing for upcoming triathlons and his daughter being on the Maury volleyball team;
- President Lorna who noticed at a recent Virginia Opera, she was not sporting her Rotary pin while multiple other club members were;
- Lisa Chandler has celebrated her 39th wedding anniversary, her birthday, and her daughter's visit for a month;
- Mal Branch in Pilot article in role as Norfolk Airport Commission chair;
- and Bob Latimer, who has now been retired as long as he worked.
Bill McInnis conducted the raffle which was won by Sally Hartman. The Queen of Spades remained elusive.
