TRC Supports Tappahannock Farmers Market With $500 Contribution

Today was this season's final Tappahannock Farmers Market. Continuing its commitment to supporting the local community, Tappahannock Rotary Club presented a check for $500 to the Tappahannock Farmers Market. Presenting the check were TRC President, John Gregory, and Treasurer, Ron Geiger. David Broad, also a member of TRC, received the check on behalf of the TFM.

"Life on the Rappahannock" - Howard W. Reisinger, Jr. - TRC November 13, 2014

Area native son, Howard W. Reisinger, Jr., the guest of Jeff Willett, was our speaker at the November 13th TRC meeting. In his presentation "Life on the Rappahannock", Howard gave three rich vignettes, one each for Pole Cat Creek, Hoskins ...Creek, and the Rappahannock River, covering many memories and observations acquired throughout his lifetime. Howard currently serves as Chairman of the Essex County Airport Authority, as a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Essex County Museum and Historical Society, and as a Vestry member at St. John's Episcopal Church...and he still lives on the banks of Hoskins Creek. Listening to Howard is always inspiring and an educational experience - and he didn't disappoint! See More

Tappahannock Rotary Club 2013-2014 Giving Awards - Appreciation to Tommy Neuman For Leadership

Tappahannock Rotary Club was recently honored by both Rotary District 7610 and The Rotary Foundation for its leadership in 2013-2014 giving levels which are all-important in order to fulfill on Rotary's Service mission. Tommy Neuman's lead...ership in these efforts was recognized by immediate past-President, C. Norman Wood, and current President, John Gregory. Specifically, TRC was recognized for the following: Contributions to "End Polio Now: Make History Now Campaign"; 100% Member Participation at the $100 Per Capita level, and 100% Sustainin Member Club - The Rotary Foundation; and $300 Per Capita giving to the TRF Annual Fund.

TRC Sponsorships For Local Activities: Jacob's Ladder "Youth At Risk" Program and Essex County Public Library Computer Program - 6 November 2014

At the 6 November 2014 TRC meeting, President John Gregory presents checks to Bess Haile for the Essex County Public Library's computer program, and to Joanne Ruffa for the Jacob's Ladder Youth At Risk program. The appreciation, friendship, and community spirit - are visible in this photo of three of our community's great leaders

TRC Supports New Collaboration Between Essex County's Public Library and Recreation Department With 10 Scholarships

At the November 6th TRC meeting, there was another showing of local support when money for 10 scholarships ($25 each) was raised
 around the table and then matched by the Club (Total of $500 in new scholarship money) to support a new collaboration between the Essex County Public Library and the Essex County Recreation Department.  Through this program, students can earn points (scholarships) to be applied toward tuition for Recreation Department activities.  Pictured from l to r are:  TRC President, John Gregory, Essex County's new Director of Recreation, Fred Birchett, and Essex County Public Library's Director, Bess Haile

District Governor and Mrs. Rich Storey Visit TRC and Merroir - 30 October 2014

District Governor Rich Storey and wife Carol visited TRC on Oct 30 and applauded our 1st place club for last year's accomplishments and the emphasis on serving our local community needs exemplified by Pres. John Gregory's planning for 2014-15 year.

Pictures include TRC meeting and dinner as well as their visit to Rappahannock River Oysters, Locklie's Marina, Topping Virginia. After a visit with Middlesex Rotary Bill Croxton took them for a tour of Rappahannock River Oysters, and they later ate at Merroir. Said Bill Croxton:  "They love oysters!"

Brief visit with Nelson Rotary

On my way out of the Nelson hotel to the Abel Tasman trail I stumbled across the Rotary Club of Whakatu (Nelson, South Island, New Zealand) in progress! A quick intro to club president Steve Kelso could not be missed! Their topic of the day was Emergency Preparedness and I was asked to stay as my experience with Essex County EMS and hurricane readiness was of interest! Always a pleasure to meet new folks and Rotary is an instant relationship! A great group of folks.... wish I could have stayed for the meeting!

Trent Funkhauser Presents To TRC 16 October 2014

Fellow Rotarian, Trent Funkhauser of West Point, Essex County's new Director of Economic Development, presented to the Tappahannock Rotary Club at its October 16th meeting

TRC Welcomes Three New Members 2 October 2014

On October 2nd, Tappahannock Rotary Club welcomed two new members, General Carl Strock (sponsored by Bill Meredith) and Jay Brimmer (sponsored by John Lewis), and one returning member, Monty Gladding (sponsored by John Gregory).

Andrew Denn Presentation on YoungLife - 9/25/2014 - Guest of Bill Reavis

The guest of Bill Reavis, Andrew Denn, Area Director for YoungLife, presented to the TRC this evening on the work YL has begun in the community. Andrew encouraged folks to get involved in the organization which is focused on making a diff...erence for young people. YoungLife is an American evangelical Christian ministry based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The ministry was started in Dallas, Texas in 1941 by Presbyterian minister Jim Rayburn. Young Life operates globally as several different organizations with different focuses. Www.younglife.org.

Checks Awarded to Local Organizations 18 September 2014

In keeping with its long tradition of supporting the Tappahannock community, TRC awarded nearly $3,500 to five local organizations at its September 19th meeting.  The recipients were:  Essex High School Physics Club ($400); Essex High School Drama Club ($571); Tappahannock Boy Scouts Troup 304 ($500); Tappahannock Riverside Hospital ($1,000); Tappahannock Regional Free Clinic ($1,000).

 

Front row ( L-R) Robert LaFollette (EHS Physics), Vicki Favazzi (EHS Drama), Madeline Lawson (TFC), John Gregory (TRC President)
Second Row (L-R) Dr.Richard Lewis (TFC), Michael Faulkner (TFC), John Peterman (Tappk. Riverside Hospital) John Magruder (Scout Master, Troop 304), Connor Jorgensen (Troop Leader), Carl Hayden (Troop Leader)

Joanne Ruffa and Jacob's Ladder 11Sep2014

Members of TRC were treated to an inspiring presentation on Jacob's Ladder by Joanne Ruffa, Past President TRC, who is a long-time leader with JL and who recently completed guiding this year's summer program at St. Margaret's School, Tappah...annock. Ms. Ruffa acknowledged Rotary's continuing important support of the organization. "Created in 1991, Jacob's Ladder is a proactive enrichment program for intellectually gifted children who face obstacles to success. These young people – Climbers – have an extraordinary ability to excel academically. But unless someone steps in, they will most likely fail to realize their potential." Joanne's passion for both Rotary and Jacob's Ladder are well known in our community. What might be less known is the story she told last evening of how when preparing to retire from 30 years teaching in the Essex County Public Schools, she was encouraged to "retire into something that you love"...and for Joanne, that was Jacob's Ladder. A longtime tennis instructor, Joanne also said that she has carried two basic concept from her sport into her work with JL: "Serve and Love". The annual cost of supporting one Jacob's Ladder Climber is approximately $2,500.

Post - Arborist

An Active August Included Area's Accomplished Arborist...James Earhart of Arbor Care, a local tree service, presented to TRC about the world of timed, complex tree climbing competitions among amazingly agile arborists.  The International Society of Arbor Culture is the governing organization for such competitions.

Mr. Earhard grew up working on tree pruning and crane operations and has only gotten into tree climbing competitions since 2001.  His tree service has worked in numerous locations around Essex County and is available for pruning and removal of trees.  The best part is the company removes all debris when they are finished.  Mr. Earhard was the guest of Mac Garrett.

Blog Posting

Adding to the August excitement for TRC was a return visit of Jeremy Jones, fellow Rotarian from Australia.  Jonesy is a Police Officer who was one of the 2013 exchange group from Western Australia to District 7610.  This followed an exchange group from our District to Australia in February 2013 which included our own Billy Croxton.  Jonesy is currently in the U.S. with his fiancee Anna on vacation and is presently an official umpire at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament in New York City.  The Croxtons were their hosts while in our area.  Pictured:  Billy Croxton, Jeremy Jones, Tommy Neuman, and President John Gregory.

Blog Post - General Strock

Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock (U.S. Army, Retired), sharing a lighthearted moment with TRC President, Dr. John Gregory, at our August 21st meeting.  General Strock shared his first-hand experiences in Washington, D.C. and at the Pentagon on 9/11 at which time he was Commanding General, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  He spoke of the value of showing up in person when there is a need, knowing that there is always something one can do to make a difference for others.  General Strock was the guest of his VMI roommate and TRC member, Bill Meredith

Post - Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to Essex County High School graduates, Laura Ellis and Zachary Coyne, recipients of scholarships from TRC!  This autumn Ms. Ellis will attend Randolph Macon College, and Mr. Coyne will attend Rappahannock Community College.  We wish much success to both of them.

Blog Post - August 14th, 2014

Delegate Margaret Ransone was a guest speaker in August.  She is a mother, wife, successful businesswoman, a lifelong resident of Westmoreland County, and a citizen legislator who represents the 99th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Margaret works full time at her family's oyster company, Bevans Oyster Company.  Del. Ransone was invited by John Lewis who is also pictured here with TRC President, Dr. John Gregory.

Blog Post - August 14, 2014

Dr. Tyler C. Wind, was guest speaker at our August 14th meeting. A Tappahannock native and 1997 graduate of Essex High School, Dr. Wind has returned home to open the Riverside Northern Neck Bone & Joint Center. Pictured are Dr. John Gregory, TRC President, Dr. Wind, and Dr. Richard Lewis who invited Dr. Wind

New Inductees for Tappahannock Rotary Club - August 28, 2014

On August 28th, we welcomed our three newest members. Pictured are: Alessa Leming (and sponsor Harry T. Gladding), Madline Lawson (and sponsor General Norm Wood), Dr. Frank Nuar (and sponsor Michael Faulkner), and Tappahannock Rotary Club President, Dr. John Gregory.

Tappahannock Sweeps the 2014 Awards

Rotary Club of Tappahannock won awards in every service area and was honored by being named the "Large Club of the Year" in the District. A Meritorious award was presented in Club Service, Vocational Service, and Youth Service. Exceptional awards were received in Public Image and International Service.  Community Service received an Exemplary award.  In addition, the club received an overall Exemplary Club Excellence Award. Tappahannock Rotary Club won two awards in the membership category, the first for having the most new members of any club and the second for membership retention.  President Wood came forward to accept the Rotary International President's Citation and was only one of two club presidents to receive the District Governor's Citation. The final award was indeed no surprise.  President C. Norman Wood was called forward to receive the Club of the Year Award.  It was indeed a memorable evening.  Caption: From left to right : Tommy Neuman, Club President C. Norman Wood, District 7610 Governor Juanita Cawley, Bill Croxton, Joe Johnston and lower front Ron Geiger.

John Gregory

Norm introduces in coming President John Gregory. John then has a few words for the club.

Pat Johnston

Pat Johnston is thanks by the club for her talk this evening on abused and battered spouses and received the club glass from outgoing President Norm.

Norm

Norm is thanked by the club for his service as club President and gets pinned by his wife.

Rotary Crab Racing at RivahFest 2014

Serious business at the Rotary Crab Race as five contestants line up with their water squirt bottle to encourage their competitive crustacean down the slippery slope to win.... eventually if they lose too many races they might get steamed and end up as hors d'oeuvres.... with Bill Croxton, Pete Trible, Joe Wolfinger, Sheperd Lewis, John Frazier (team leader!), Louise Velletri, David Broad, Bob Jump, Gary Youngling, Wayne Wessels, Jeff Willett, and Joanne Ruffa

International Project Ikirwa School Tanzania

Outstanding presentation by Ikirwa School founder and SMS Alumna Masha Skuratovskaya. Masha's family were host to David and Margaret Broad during the Russian coup in August 1991 and since then their lives have been intertwined. During her tenure at the World Bank and travelling to Tanzania and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Masha decided to personally reinvest herself in a community of children that needed help with their education in rural East Africa. The Ikirwa School is now in its second phase and Masha is fund raising for several new classrooms and several other school support projects. Tappahannock Rotary has applied to receive grants to double its own grant for this designated international project for the current year.  From left to right: John Frazier - International Projects Committee, Joe Johnston - Community Service Chair and acting Club President for the evening, Masha Skuratovskaya of Juneau, Alaska and Chair of the Ikirwa School Trust and investment manager at the World Bank and at the Alaska (Oil) Permanent Fund, Margaret Broad - retired head of St. Margaret's School and sponsor of Masha's scholarship to attend SMS from Moscow Russia, and David Broad - sponsor of the Ikirwa School Project and Chair of Rotary Public Image.  

Fun evening at Wine on the Water!

Splendid evening at St. Margaret's celebrating the start of summer with the first Wine on the Water event organized by the Tappahannock Regional Free Clinic and Rotarian Michael Faulkner. From left to right Ron Geiger, Bob Jump and JoJo Ruffa represent the spirit of Tappahannock Rotary and enjoy the friendship and perfectly cool evening weather by the Rappahannock River.

Glenn Strum on Virginia Well Water Quality

The Reverend Rod Gordon introduced our speaker Glenn Strum of the Virginia Cooperative extension of Virginia Tech.  Glenn mentioned the Essex County Resource Council which meets the needs of the county for environmental health, specifically water quality. Twenty-two percent of our citizens rely on wells for their water. No one regulates the quality of well water and 80% of citizens never test their water. While a private test costs between $2-3,000, a test can be obtained from Va. Tech for only $49. On average, 11% of well water will contain E Coli while 20% will have lead present.  If water quality and future taxes interest you, please attend the Well Water Clinic meeting on 21 July at 7 PM. From left to right, Rodney Gordon, Glenn Strum and Rotary Club President C. Norman Wood.

Rotary Program with speaker Harry Gladding

 

Harry T spoke Thursday night about "Everything you've always wanted to know about auto insurance, but were afraid to ask." As always, Harry was quite informative. He also took questions. But oddly, the words Progressive and Geico were never mentioned during the whole evening.

 

Caponka Ghost now Buoyed

A two year Rotary project comes to a excellent conclusion with the joint participation of Tappahannock and Warsaw Rotary Clubs, laying buoyage around the treacherous wreck of the 272 foot wooden steamer Caponka sunk in the Rappahannock River. Read the full story how Tappahannock Rotarians Pete Trible, Bill Croxton and David Broad took on this potentially life saving project, navigated the government obstacles and conquering this complicated community challenge! Read more about this project Rotary is also accepting donations to keep this project fully funded - click here to make a donation 

The original Oldies But Goodies PHF Fellows!

 

Celebrating last night's 100% Paul Harris Fellowship reminded that some Fellows have been around quite awhile. From the right: Bill Croxton was awarded in 1998, Tommy Neuman awarded in 1985, and Joe Spruill was awarded in 1985! Juanita Cawley is District 7610 Governor, C Norman Wood - Tappahannock Club President and Chuck Davidson is past District Governor 2008-2009.

The Final Group of Tappahannock PHF awarded Monday May 5th

The final wave of Paul Harris Fellowship awards were ceremonially pinned and sashed last night at the PHF 100% banquet at Roma's Ristorante - all names are embedded in the photo tags on FaceBook — with Rod Gordon, Charles Davidson, Leigh Angel, Rod Gordon, Charles Davidson, Leigh Angel, Carla Stearns, Harry T Gladding, Bob Holt, Juanita Cawley, Bruce Thomas, Michael Rawlings, Tommy Neuman, Luther Derby, Reese Peck, Bill Croxton, Wright Andrews, Doc Franks, C Norman Wood, Walter S Rowland, Vince Donoghue, Rob Akers, Ned Stephenson and Pete Trible. FaceBook users are linked. [db]

Tappahannock Rotary Reaches 100% Paul Harris Fellowship Participation

Rarely do clubs the size of Tappahannock Rotary reach the stratospheric goal of having all members become Paul Harris Fellows. With over 60 members of the Tappahannock Rotary community having individually contributed $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, very few clubs can lay claim to this degree of support. On Thursday May 5th at Roma's Ristorante, the club celebrated this unique achievement with a special banquet and speeches by Rotary District 7610 representatives who came to award the coveted 100% participation banner. From left to right: Chuck Davidson - Past District Governor, Juanita Cawley - current District Governor, C. Norman Wood - Tappahannock Rotary President, Tommy Neuman - Chairman of the Rotary Foundation, Bill Croxton - Assistant District Governor and John Gregory - President-Elect of the Tappahannock Rotary Club.

Michael Faulkner Recognized for Outstanding Rotary Service

In an evening of special recognitions for the Tappahannock Club 100% Paul Harris Fellowship participation, there was time to recognize the outstanding efforts of Michael Faulkner who conceived, created and organized the exceptional evening "Keys to The Heart" which brought together multiple local charitable organizations and endowed them with proceeds from the musical event, but also provided an evening of unsurpassed piano entertainment to the Tappahannock community. Receiving his commemorative plaque Michael Faulkner  is flanked by C. Norman Wood - President of Tappahannock Rotary Club (right) and Tommy Neuman (left) - Rotary Foundation Chair.

Joanne Ruffa receive Jacob's Ladder gift from District

Clearly overwhelmed by the surprise and size of the gift Joanne Ruffa receives a scholarship gift from District 7610 this evening. Originally created by Burt Lamkin, Rotary 7610 District Governor in 2006-07, Burt set asides funds to support Youths at Risk programs. Finally deciding that Tappahannock's support for the Jacob's Ladder program more than met all of his expectations, the District released a check for $5,215 to Joanne Ruffa to use as scholarship to support two Jacob's Ladder Climbers in this year's upcoming summer program at St. Margaret's School, Tappahannock. From left: Juanita Cawley - District Governor presenting the check, Joanne Ruffa Counsellor at Jacobs Ladder, and C. Norman Wood - President of the Tappahannock Rotary Club. 

Caponka Buoys Ready to Launch

A set of three WRECK marker buoys acquired jointly by the Tappahannock and Warsaw Rotary Clubs have been prepared ready to launch this spring. They will be placed downstream, upstream and between the wreck and the main channel. Caponka ran aground in a storm back in the late 1920's in it's current position and caught fire in 1949. Since then the 272 foot long twin screw wooden steamer has been a hazard as the remains of the hull and extremely dangerous steel bolts are visible only at low water. A number of navigation incidents over the years has accentuated the desire to mark the wreck which the marine authorities have neglected to take action on.

Incoming and Outgoing Assistant District 7610 Governors

Bill Croxton outgoing area 3 assistant district governor and John Lewis incoming area 3 assistant governor and John Mullens president of the Northern Neck Rotary Club in Kilmarnock exchange banners between the Tappahannock and Northern Neck Club on the 30th of April 2014

Rotary Gatsby 1920's District Reunion

Bill and Carole Croxton done up to the nines for the Great Gatsby 1920's Rotary District Conference Reunion at the Virginia Crossings, Friday, April 25th.

Tappahannock Polio Plus check presentation at District Reunion

Rotary Polio Plus members contributions check for $2,000 presented to Rotary International at the District 7610 Annual Reunion - left to right: Ron Geiger - Tappahannock Rotary Club Treasurer, Bill Croxton - District 7610 Assistant District Governor, Colleen Bonadonna - District 7610 Polio Plus Chair, Penny Geiger, C Norman Wood - President of the Tappahannock Rotary Club, and Chuck Davidson - Past District Governor.

What a fine morning for a Rotary District Conference.

Obamacare with Phil Stinchcomb from Riverland Insurance

 

 

Phil did a masterful job speaking on the pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act. What could have a political firestorm inside Roma's last night, was anything but. Phil was calm and composed, taking no sides on what was good or bad with Obamacare. In short, he came prepared with factual information that would let our group make up their own minds about the various benefits this law provides. He covered mandated coverages, subsidies, underwriting aspects which are none except for smokers, the open enrollment periods and the penalties for non ACA individuals: $95 or 1% of taxable income in 2014, $325 or 2% in 2015 and $695 or 2.5% in 2016.

The Rotary Induction Ceremony

Finally we have captured an induction ceremony for posterity. Here is President-Elect Dr. John Gregory as he inducts Dr. Scott Burckbuchler, Superintendent of the Essex County Public Schools and Reverend Don McLean, minister of the Tappahannock Presbyterian Church. Watch the video http://youtu.be/aF3sPjF6qAs  Also participating are Emerson Hughes, sponsor for Rev. McLean and Bill Croxton sponsor for Scott Burckbuchler snd Rotary Club President C. Norman Wood.

Rotary GSE Experiences!

Bill Croxton (right) and Tommy Neuman (2nd from left) recounted their Group Study Exchange experiences and the impact on their lives leading groups of younger folks on exchanges to Australia, for Tommy's trip for seven weeks and Bill for four weeks. Michael Rawlings (2nd from right) remembered how his Rotary experience as a young student in Belgium allied him to learn languages and enable him to take on high responsibility with JAG corps in NATO at an early age in his career thanks to specific Rotary opportunities. C Norman Wood congratulates the team at the conclusion of the evening.

Jerry Duvall gets PHF pinned!

 

C Norman Wood, Club President, pins the Paul Harris Foundation medallion to Jerry Duvall's shirt, followed by Tommy Neuman awarding the PHF sash. The club is at 100% PHF membership which by any standards is a pretty amazing achievement! A special all club celebration dinner is scheduled for May 5th at Roma's