Tappahannock Rotary Club Christmas Dinner

Tom Saville


Gordon & Hilda Fletcher

 
Bill & Mel Reavis, and Anne Neuman

 
Mel Reavis, Anne and Tommy Neuman

Photos by Bob Jump
 

Emerson Hughes becomes a Paul Harris Fellow!

Congratulations to Emerson  "Em" Hughes who becomes part of the illustrious band of Paul Harris Fellows, and helping move the club towards 100% membership of PHF members - Tommy Neuman does the honors!

New Paul Harris Fellow - Cacky Taylor

Cacky Taylor becomes part of the honorary group of Rotarians who is now a Paul Harris Fellow, and helping move the club towards 100% membership of PHF members - Norman Wood, Club President has the honor to make the award!

Phillipe de Abreau gets the Rotary message from John Gregory!

John Gregory inducts Philippe de Abreu into the Tappahannock Rotary Club - John does all the inductions with a distinctive style - he makes sure you remember the key points!! Welcome Philippe - owner of the Automobile Service on Airport Road - specialist in foreign car servicing!
 

Program: Chesapeake Bay Oysters

 

Tom Madren provided our speaker, Chris Davis, who is involved in oyster replenishment of our Chesapeake Bay. He provided a wonderful, informative and thought provoking program.

If one went back to the days of Capt John Smith and his visit to our area one would have noticed that there was no erosion damage done to the bay and rivers and one could see 30 feet into the water clearly. Oysters were in abundance back then and served as great food for the native Americans. Oysters eat algae and that keeps our waters clean and pure. In John Smith's time, the local oysters were 12 inches in size and were divided in thirds to eat. By 1850, watermen had begun to over harvest oysters and we never recovered from that loss. Oyster population is about 1% of what it was in the 1800's. The main problems are over harvesting and soil erosion from farms.

We now are building new reefs for oysters to flourish once again. For awhile we toyed with Japanese oysters hoping they would take hold in our waters but that project has been abandoned. We are now trying to make new reefs for our oysters. To have a clean Bay and rivers, we need oysters. Man took them out, now we must put them back. This is something we can do even in our own area of the Rappahannock River. Chris Davis is to be congratulated for his efforts and for a very inspiring program. This Rotarian left with a desire to try to build a reef on his river area.

Rotary Club 2012-13 Out-performs the District!

Rotary Foundation Awards for his excellent club presidency leadership 2012-13, John Lewis receives two banners: 100% sustaining member club and 100% member participation in the $100 per capita club! Some clubs in our region won one or other of these two awards but Tappahannock was one of the very few who won both!

Norman Wood Program on Intelligence Collection

Norman Wood, President of the Tappahannock Rotary Club, was also the program speaker for Thursday, December 5th.  He gave his own speaker introduction and then put on his jacket to transition to the speaker role!  Lt. Gen. C. Norman Wood, USAF (Ret.) experience encompasses senior management positions in the government, military, industry, and the not-for-profit fields, primarily in national security and intelligence. 
 
He started his military career as a master navigator and electronic warfare officer with 3,400 flying hours mainly on RB-47's.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1964 as an EW in the RB-47, and has 1,000 combat flying hours from the Vietnam Conflict.  He was a SAC crewmember in both the RB-47 and the RC-135.  Moving on to his Headquarters assignments at the Strategic Air Command (SAC), and the Air Staff.  After attending the National War College, he was the SAC Intelligence Wing Commander, and the Executive Director of the President�s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board at the White House in the first Reagan Administration.
 
His General Officer assignments include Commander, Air Force Intelligence Service [1 Star] ,  J-2 (Director of Intelligence), US European Command [2 Star], head of Air Force Intelligence [2 Star], and Director of the Intelligence Community Staff [3 Star]. He retired from the Air Force in June 1992, and took a job as senior vice president and general manager of BDM Federal.  There, he was responsible for national security and technology applications programs, resources, and marketing with the focus on the intelligence community. 
General Wood became President and CEO of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), International in April 1996.  AFCEA is a global enterprise with more than 30,000 members, more than 1,000 corporate sponsors, and 143 chapters located in 32 nations.  He was also the publisher of SIGNAL Magazine, the journal for communications, electronics, intelligence, and information systems professionals with approximately 130,000 readers in 82 nations.  He retired on 1 October 2001.

Norman Wood's presentation covered his career highlights in the intelligence collection field and he concluded his evening with a discussion on the Snowden leaks case and it's detrimental impact on our intelligences service capabilities.  Here is shown with Rotary District AGM Bill Croxton and Past President John Lewis.

Salvation Army Collection at Walmart

Saturday you were welcomed to Walmart by the sound of tinkling bells - outstanding cold weather duty performed by Chuck Gilchrist and Doc Franks - another successful Rotary Christmas activity to raise funds for the needy. Also helping out on Saturday were Rotarians Joanne Ruffa, John Gregory, Carla Stearns and Joe Johnston

Merry Christmas From Aaron Biggs - GSE Australia

From Aaron Biggs was one of the Aussies who was on the GSE Exchange earlier year.....

Seasons greetings to you as the new year approaches. I hope that you are enjoying the change of the seasons and the coming cold weather. Its very hard for me to imagine what your Christmas will be like, as right now we have the air conditioning going day and night. I am not sure if card giving at Christmas is an American tradition, however it is very much an Aussie one so I have attached an electronic copy of one my wife made this year, showing off my little girl and our warm weather. I hope that it brings a bit of warmth into your life as the snow starts to fall. Please pass on my greetings to your wonderful Rotary Club, I still to this day smile when I think of the great time we had visiting you guys. May you have a wonderful Christmas full of family and fun and hopefully some sun. I know that it will be strictly a Traditional  Christmas this year for us ( A BBQ on the beach, with beers and cricket )......

Much love from Down Under, Aaron, Amber & Ariana. Biggs -  Aaron BIGGS | Constable 14261 | Broome Police Station | Western Australia Police

Labadie visitors from Vero Beach, Florida

Tappahannock Rotary welcomes Larry & Maureen Labadie based in Vero Beach Florida.  Strangely enough they both belong to separate clubs - Larry is a member of the Vero Beach Sunrise Rotary Club and Maurine is a member of the Vero Beach Oceanside Club.

New District ADG Appointed

Rotary District 7610 called John Lewis and asked him to become the Assistant District Governor for the Middle Peninsula / Northern Neck area taking over from Bill Croxton. This area includes 9 clubs including Tappahannock, Warsaw, Kilmarnock, Northern Neck, Matthews, Gloucester, Gloucester Point, West Point, and Middlesex. John's appointment starts July 2014 and lasts for 3 years. Congratulations John!

Delegate Keith Hodges visits Tappahannock Rotary

Keith Hodges, delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates for the 98th district visited Tappahannock Rotary and expounded on his views on education and Medicaid. Alivly questions and answers followed.

Tommy Neuman at the Veterans Day Ceremony

Banner Exchange with Tulum Rotary, Mexico

Joanne Ruffa returns to Tappahannock Rotary Club and presents Norman Wood, Club President, with the exchange banner from the Tulum Rotary Club, District 4200 in Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Mexico.

Paul Harris Fellows Awards to TEN Tappahannock Rotarians!

Thursday November 14th saw the most numerous Paul Harris Fellow awards to members of the Tappahannock Rotary Club - actually 10 awards to 9 Rotarians plus one very deserving spouse of a Rotarian - Carole Croxton - for all the Rotary volunteer work she has generously given over her many years associated with Rotary. Awards were presented by Bill Croxton,  Assistant District Governor and Tommy Neuman.

 Bill Meredith

 

 Joe Wolfinger

 

 Ron Geiger

 

 David Broad

 

 Carole Croxton

 

 John Frazier

 

 Bob Coleman

 

 Vic Brugh

 

Louise Velletri

 

Ten Tappahannock Rotarians Become Paul Harris Fellows

The ten recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow awards proudly hold their certificates after the awards ceremony.... Front row, left to right: Bob Coleman, Ron Geiger, Carole Croxton, Louise Velletri, Bob Jump. Back row, left to right: David Broad, Vic Brugh, Bill Meredith, Award presenters Bill Croxton & Tommy Neuman, Joe Wolfinger and John Frazier. The Paul Harris Foundation is named after the founder of Rotary International and has a mission to eradicate polio throughout the world. Paul Harris Fellows are honored for their contributions of $1,000 or more to the Foundation.

Rotary Meets at Roma's

This Thursday evening over 36 members sit down to conversation and good company over a plate of Johnny 's spaghetti and meatballs ! Tappahannock Rotary Club now has a club record with over 60 members!

Bob Jump Replays Paul Harris 1933 Radio Speech

Bob Jump Replays Paul Harris 1933 Radio Speech
BOSTON CONVENTION 1933
Twenty-eight years ago the first Rotary Club was started in Chicago by a lawyer who though born in the Middle-West, was brought up in New England. It was his idea to ha...ve a group of men of every line of business and profession who should in the spirit of the "Golden Rule" - practice friendship and cooperation. From that club has grown the world's movement of Rotary. For the full speech please visit http://www.tappahannockrotary.org/paulharris.htm

Jason Smith presents Boy Scout Program

 

Mac Garrett, a dedicated Boy Scout, and father of two Eagle Scouts, introduced our speaker Jason Smith.  Jason is from Richmond and is married to an educational researcher. Together they have three children. Jason holds a BA degree from Vanderbilt and an MA from Averill University.  In the Tappahannock area we have two Cub Scout and two Boy Scout troops. Jason asked how many in attendance were former Scouts and a high percentage of hands were raised. This area has produced a number of Eagle Scouts as well. Read more about the presentation

 

District Governor Annual Visit

Juanita Cawley, Rotary District 7610 Governor for 2013-2014 visits the Tappahannock Rotary Club, an annual tradition for all newly elected governors. In the photo Juanita is flanked by Bill Croxton, Assistant District Governor [left] and C. Norman Wood, Tappahannock Rotary Club President [right].

Juanita began her career in Hampton, VA as a teacher of children with hearing impairments and quickly became Coordinator of Special Education and later the Director. In 1999, she became Director of Special Programs for the West Point, VA school division. Inducted into the Rotary Club of West Point in 1998, Juanita has served her club as Foundation chair, Public Image chair, Secretary and was Club President twice. In 2006-2007, in her second term as President, she was named Club Rotarian of the Year and her club was named “Best Small Club” in the district.

Juanita has served District 7610 well since joining Rotary. She has received Foundation training in Evanston, IL, been a presenter and facilitator at district conferences and seminars, serviced as Public Image chair, chaired the Foundation Permanent Fund, served on the Strategic Planning committee, and served as Assistant Governor. Juanita is a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute and qualified to serve as faculty for RLI. Juanita and her Rotarian husband Bill are both Paul Harris Fellows, both members of the Paul Harris Society, Benefactors, and Bequest Society members. They live in a wonderful old 1884 Victorian home in West Point, VA.

Norman Wood gets pinned!

First Class ! The first class initiative of 2013-14 of giving as demonstrated by Rotary President Ron Burton... Tappahannock Rotary Club President Norman Wood follows in his footsteps! So far in the 2013-14 year, district governors, district Rotary Foundation chairs and club presidents have contributed more than $2.6 million for the life-changing grants and activities to the Rotary Foundation.

Annual Pork Roast Success!!

Thursday October 10th was the date and time to be in Tappahannock for the Annual Pork Roast spectacular feast. Check out the photos of the evening taken by new Rotarian Wright Andrews

Rotary Club hosts Legal, Medical and Educational Ethics Panel

The Rotary Club Ethics Panel evening was moderated by Tom Saville [second left] - retired Essex County Superintendent of Schools. Tom  fielded ethics questions to: Mac Garrett [left] - retired Essex County Commonwealth Attorney, Richard Lewis [third from left] - retired Richmond VA cardiologist surgeon and physician volunteer with the Tappahannock Regional Free Clinic, and Gordon Fletcher - retired education Assistant Superintendent with Loudoun County in Northern Virginia. Many practical realities of professional life in each of these professions was addressed and provided our club with deep insights into the decisions lawyers, doctors and educators face in their daily lives.

Gary Youngling inducted as a Paul Harris Fellow

Gary Youngling was inducted as a Paul Harris Fellow by Tappahannock Rotary Club Paul Harris Foundation Chairman, Bill Croxton, and club President, C. Norman Wood, at the club's regular meeting October 17, 2013. The Paul Harris Foundation is named after the founder of Rotary International and has a mission to eradicate polio throughout the world. Paul Harris Fellows are honored for their contributions of $1,000 or more to the Foundation.

Rotary Awards Grants to Essex Museum

Sunday, October 8th, at the Atkins Park and on the occasion for the Essex County Museum and Historical Society's Annual General Meeting..... from left to right: Tommy Blackwell, First VP ECMHS, Carla Stearns - Rotary Club Fund Raising Chair, Joe Johnston - member of both Rotary and ECMHS, Norman Wood - President of the Tappahannock Rotary Club, Bill Croxton - board of both organizations and Rotary Assistant District Governor, Ron Geiger - Treasurer for both ECMHS and Tappahannock Rotary Club.

Tappahannock Art Guild Presentation

Tappahannock Rotary Club presented the Tappahannock Art Guild a check for $100 last Saturday at the TAG reception at the Honenbergers. From left to right: John Gregory - Rotary Vice-President Elect, Bill Croxton - Rotary District Assistant Governor, Marty Taylor - Tappahannock Art Guild Board Chair, and Ron Geiger Rotary Club Treasurer.

Rotary Supports Riverside Hospital

Tappahannock Rotary committed to support the Tappahannock Riverside Hospital with an annual gift of $1,000 a year over the next 5 years or the "Build a Better Place to Heal, Closer to Home" fund. The first donation was presented by C. Norman Wood, Club President and Joe Johnston (far left), Community Service Chair to Liz Martin, Vice President /Administrator for the Tappahannock Riverside Hospital, and Scott Brown (far right), Riverside Director of Advancement at the Rotary Club meeting on Thursday. September 26th.

Wright Andrews inducted

Wright Andrews became the latest member to join the Tappahannock Rotary Club tonight. He was inducted by Dr. John Gregory and presented by sponsor Bob Jump. Club president Norman Wood presided over the ceremony. Wright, a mostly retired Washington lawyer, born in McCormick county South Carolina,  attended Emery Law School, then went to Washington DC to work for Senator Sam Nunn for several years, then worked for a private law office and became partner. Subsequently became involved in legislative work lobbying for financial organizations and was lead lawyer for the sub prime mortgage industry. He has lived in Tappahannock for 27 years and intends to spend 90% of his retired life here in the county!

Bill Croxton - ADG

The September District 7610 Newsletter featured an article about our own member, Assistant District Governor Bill Croxton.  Read all about it click here

"Rico" by Joe Wolfinger

Joe Wolfinger talks about his new book - Rico: How Politicians, Prosecutors And The Mob Destroyed One Of The FBI’s Finest Special Agents’ ...   "Rico" grabs your attention from the very beginning and when you're done you're looking for the nearest shower. FBI agent, Paul Rico gets right down in the dirt with the scum of the earth ringing every once of information out of them. If you followed the Whitey Bulgar trial, you'll end up reading "Rico" because all of the players including Bulger, Flemmi and the rest of the mob are here in Joe's story. This is one meeting on Thursday you don't want to miss.....Bob Jump

Bill Reavis Recognized

Bill Reavis was recognized for extraordinary organization of the croaker tournament over 5 years! All this in addition to Air Force and United Airlines responsibilities! Presentation was by Bill Croxton assistant district governor and Norman Wood Club President....

Thursday, September 5th

New member Vic Brugh gets the introduction to Rotary International from John Gregory 

Tommy Neuman pins Dr. Vic Brugh and welcomes him to Tappahannock Rotary Club

David Broad introduces his guest speaker John Clickener for the evening program

John Clickener describes his work with Essex Sunshine Org and impact on Essex County local government - check out the website and the issues that John has been addressing at http://www.essexsunshine.blogspot.com/

Photos by Bob Jump - thank you!!!