Hannah Swann, Winner of "Best in District Essay Contest"

Hannah Swann was the very special guest speaker at TRC's April 23rd meeting.  This was the first year that Essex students have participated in this regional competition.  Hannah, who is a student at Essex Intermediate School, recently won a standing ovation at Rotary's District Conference as well as a $1,000 award as "Best in District" in the annual Rotary essay contest for her work "The Four Way Test".  Her essay interpreted Rotary's Four Way Test - which is the organization's nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for use in our personal and professional relationships.  Hannah observed:  "Rotary is there to help, and people underestimate it."  Congratulations Hannah!  Awards presented by John Gregory, TRC President, and JoAnn Ruffa, TRC's Next Generations Chair, who coordinated local participation and who continues to inspire all of us from every generation!

David Broad Honored With Resolution at April 16th TRC Meeting

David Broad was honored at the April 16th TRC meeting with a Resolution acknowledging his many years of outstanding service to the Club, its members and our community. Thank you, David...and congratulations!

TRC Visited by District Governor-Elect Janet "JB" Brown - April 2, 2015

TRC was honored to welcome District 7610 Governor-Elect, Janet L.S. "JB" Brown and her husband, First Gentleman Felton Page, at its April 2nd meeting. Governor Brown is in the process of visiting all 56 clubs within the district.

 

We wish Governor Brown much success as she leads out District in 2015-2016 with the theme:  "We Are Family"!

April 2nd Guest Speakers - Betty Anne Garrett and Frances Ellis - Historic Garden Week Tours

TRC's guest speakers at the April 2nd meeting were two of the three Historic Garden Week co-chairs, Betty Anne "Boo" Garrett and Francis Ellis, members of the Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula. Kerry Garrett is the third co-chair. They gave a brief overview of the history of the Garden Club of Virginia - founded in 1929 - and the contributions it continues to make throughout the Commonwealth in Conservation, Restoration, and Education. Boo and Francis highlighted the five Essex County homes featured in the 2015 Annual House and Garden Tour: Shelba, Woodlawn-Sandy, Cherry Walk, Woodlawn (Trible), and Goldberry.  The theme is:  "18th Century Charm and Coastal Splendor of Essex County".

 

All are encouraged to attend. http://www.vagardenweek.org/

Thursday, March 26th - TRC Meets 6:30 at Essex High School for the Play "You Can't Take It With You"

Thursday, March 26th - A reminder of tonight's exciting event - TRC is meeting at 6:30 this evening at the Essex High School auditorium to watch the play "You Can't Take It With You" which begins at 7 p.m. Please bring spouses and friends - and let's support our local youth in their theater program.

 

This event replaces our regularly scheduled meeting tonight.

The Virginians - April 25th in Support of Essex High School Music, Arts, and Drama

VIRGINIANS CONCERT Saturday April 25th

 

The Tappahannock Rotary Club and Essex High School are sponsoring a performance on Saturday evening April 25^th featuring the Virginians Barbershop Chorus.   The Virginians are an award winning chorus of 40 a cappalla singers from barbershop quartets throughout the region directed by Mike Wallen.

The evening will feature entertainment with a brass quintet directed by Essex High Band Director, Michael Loveless,  intermission, and a Choral Group lead by Choral Director,  Perry Wormley.

The event will be held in the new Essex High School auditorium from 7:30 to 9:30.

Tickets are Adults $20. , Seniors (62+) $17. ,  Students $5.   Retirement Facilities Groups of 10 or more $10.

Tickets are available on line with PayPal and credit cards options at www.tappahannockrotary.org/virginians

They are also available at the following locations;

Barbour Printing -206 Prince Street - 804-443-4505  Mon-Friday

Thyme in a Basket- 325 Queen Street â€" 804-443-4626  Tues-Saturday

Essex High School-Airport Road- 804-443-4301  Mon-Friday

Bill Croxton 804-370-5929  or John Gregory 804-443-2422  Anytime

 

All proceeds will benefit music, arts and drama at Essex High School.

Tappahannock Rotary’s focus this year under President John Gregory is serving our local needs.  Our annual Pork Feast and our “Strings to the Heart” provided funds for the Essex Fire Department Pavilion,   Essex Library, The Tappahannock Free Clinic and Tappahannock Police Department.  Other donations include Essex High drama, wrestling and physics departments,  and both Boys and Girl Scouts.

 

“As a Rotarian I have had the Virginians on my radar for a number of years but had no venue that would support such an event.

We are so fortunate to have the beautiful new state of the art high school auditorium accommodating an audience of over 70.    Let’s fill it up on Saturday evening April 25.”

 

Bill Croxton,   Club Service Chairman 

Rob Akers - Virginia Shoe Clinic - Speaker at March 12th TRC Meeting

TRC member Rob Akers, owner of the Virginia Shoe Clinic, was our speaker at the March 12th meeting. Rob, who comes from a long line of shoe smiths including one 17th C "Cordwainer" ancestor on Piscataway Creek, shared his extensive orthopedic knowledge. He reminded us that of the 206 bones in the human body, 52 are in the feet; that worn down shoes cause problems; that bigger people have more foot problems; and that the late 7'6" actor, Matthew McGrory, sported the biggest known feet in the world. ..28.5"! Various members gave testimonials to Rob's good work. The Virginia Shoe Clinic is located at 1269 Tappahannock Blvd.

"Strings To The Heart" Postponed Until Sunday, February 22, 6 - 8 p.m. (Due to Saturday's Forecast for Poor Weather)

"Strings To the Heart," has been postponed from Saturday night to 6:00 Sunday evening, February 22, due to Saturday's forecast for poor weather conditions. As originally planned, the event will be held at the Old Courthouse at Queen Street ...and Church Street in Tappahannock.



If you have not purchased tickets and want to attend Sunday evening, contact Michael Faulkner <mfaulkner.trfc@gmail.com>, he has a few tickets available.

Bay Aging - Guest at TRC's February 12th Meeting

A group of leaders from "Bay Aging" were the guest speakers at  TRC's February 12th meeting.  C. Norman Wood, immediate Past President of TRC, and a member of the Board of Directors of Bay Aging, led the presentation and was joined by Board members:  Carole Harper, Stanley Clarke, Tammy Miller, and Ken Pollock.  The organization's vision is to ensure that:  "every neighbor in our region will have a choice and range of services that will assist them to remain independent in their chosen home."  The 501(c)(3) non-profit was created in 1978.  It's three major divisions are:  Bay Family Housing; Bay Transit; and Community Living Programs.  It serves 10 counties in a 2,600 sq. mile area.  More than 17,500 people were served in FY 2014.  The leadership of Bay Aging wants to make certain that regional residents are aware of the wide array of its services.  More information can be found at:  www.bayaging.org and www.baytransit.org

TRC Presents $1,000 Check To Essex County High School Wrestling Team

A Challenge Met...  Essex County High School Wrestling Team Coach, Kevin Borron, receives a $1,000 check from TRC President, John Gregory, at the February 12th meeting.  TRC offered to match up to $1,000, and the ECHS Wresting Team met and exceeded that amount by raising $1,140 - mostly from the sale of peanuts.  The funds will be used for unmet needs related to equipment and regional/state competitions.  Congratulations!

Elsbeth Wyatt - Guest Speaker - TRC February 5, 2015 Meeting - AL-ANON

Elsbeth Wyatt, Treasurer of the local AL-ANON chapter, was the guest speaker at the TRC's February 5th meeting. Her sponsor was Rotarian Jim Wawner. AL-ANON was established in 1951 by the wife of the founder of the much better known Alcoh...olics Anonymous (AA). Its purpose is to support the family and friends of those that have alcohol or other addictions. Elsbeth gave a moving presentation and explained how those living with or in the environment of addicts often have nowhere to turn for support with some of the most difficult circumstances in their lives. She said "AL-ANON is about those persons coming and trying to take care of themselves. it's a respite." AL-ANON is based on anonymity and is open to all ages. Ellbeth said she was pleased to speak at Rotary because of the shared commitment to helping others, and to help raise awareness of AL-ANON. Futher information and support can be found at: www.al-anon.alateen.org, by phoning (888) 4AL-ANON, or locally by e-mailing elswyatt@gmail.com. In the Northern Neck region there are AL-ANON meetings in both Tappahannock and Kilmarnock. See More

Rotary International Club Toasts

In order to remind our members that Rotary is an international organization, for many years the Tappahannock Rotary Club has begun its Thursday evening meetings with a toast of a club in another country. It has always been the responsibility of the Tappahannock Club's International Committee to select the foreign club to be toasted. Read more in Joe Wolfinger's article on how our toasting has reached a new level in the past two years at  http://www.tappahannockrotary.org/pdflib/wolfinger-article.pdf

Dr. Reggie Mason, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital - Guest Speaker on January 29th

Dr. Reggie Mason, General Surgeon with Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, was the guest speaker at TRC's January 29th meeting.  Dr. Mason spoke about the high quality of services provided to the region by Riverside, as well as his personal journey as a physician including his military service as a general surgeon and division officer in the U.S. Navy.  He was the guest of Rotarian, John Peterman, hospital administrator.

The Honorable Gayle Ashworth, Essex County Clerk of Circuit Court - Speaker at Jan 22nd TRC Meeting

The Honorable Gayle Ashworth, Clerk of Essex County Circuit Court, was our speaker at the January 22nd meeting.  She was the guest of Rotarian, Ned Ware.  Gayle gave an overview of the responsibilities of her office as well as an update on the recent digitization of all deeds which should be available for online searches later this year. Gayle, who has served as Essex Clerk of Court for over 15 years, will seek one more 8 year term in the next election.

 

STRINGS TO THE HEART - Saturday 21 February 2015 - 7 p.m.

STRINGS TO THE HEART – 21 February 2015 – 7 p.m.

The Tappahannock Rotary Club and Host & Emcee Emerson Hughes welcome you to join them in honoring the Essex Public Library, the Essex County Fire Department, The Tappahannock Regional Free Clinic and the Tappahannock Police Department, February 21, 2015 at STRINGS TO THE HEART; an enchanting evening at the Essex County Historic Courthouse, featuring local musicians, string instruments, wine tasting, assorted cheeses and chocolate.  Tickets are $35.00 each and there are only 175 available.  Don't miss this special evening and don't miss an opportunity to join your local Rotarians as they continue to provide funding to organizations and individuals who make a difference in our community.  For sponsorship and ticket information call:  Dr. John Gregory at (804) 443-2442, Joanne Ruffa at (804) 443-3737 or Michael Faulkner at (202) 360-3564.  A few of the local performing artists include: Ben Eberline, Matthew Parker, Angie Brooks, Andrew Magruder, Tyler Viars, Rob & Kelly Wright, Dave Smith, Sarah & Kerry Quisenberry, Cecky Ropelewski and others.  You will not want to miss STRINGS TO THE HEART – advanced ticket purchase required – so don't wait!

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

$20.00 - FRIENDS OF THE ROTARY – Includes name in program.

$35.00 – Includes one ticket.

$50.00 – VIVALDI - Includes one ticket, name in the program.

$75.00 – SHUBERT - Includes one ticket, VIP seating and name in program.

$150.00 – HENDRIX- Includes two tickets VIP seating, names in program.

$250.00 – YO-YO MA – Includes four tickets, VIP seating & a select bottle of wine from the event tasting.

$500.00 – PAGANINI - Includes 6 tickets, VIP seating, names in program & a bottle of each of the four wine selections.

•  If paying by check, please make it out to:  The Tappahannock Rotary Club and make a notation in the memo that reads: Strings to the Heart

• Tappahannock Rotary Club is a designated 501 (c)3 organization and your contribution is tax deductible according to the law.

Mail completed form and payment to: Tappahannock Rotary, PO Box 2672, Tappahannock, VA  22560

Tony Lea, Jamestown 4-H Education Center Director, Speaker at January 15th TRC

Tony Lea, 4-H Center Director, Jamestown 4-H Education Center and Camp was guest speaker at the January 15th TRC meeting. Tony reminded us of the meaning of the 4-Hs: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, and the 4-H mission of "Developing Comm...unity-Centered People". His presentation focused primarily on the Jamestown 4-H summer camp which supports 19 counties and 3 cities within the Central and Eastern Virginia region and hosts 1,900 campers each summer including 40 - 60 from Essex County. The cot of sponsoring one child from Essex County for a week at camp is approximately $235. Tony is also looking for 4-H camp alumni of all ages to serve as board members - or just to be engagement advocates for this life-changing camp and its programs. Many of us have been surprised to find family members who attended the Jamestown 4-H camp at least back to the 1940s and are now hearing their stories and fond memories from childhood. Tony was the guest of Rotarian Ned VonWalters. 4-H is part of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and our local liaison is Stephanie Stiles in Tappahannock. Tony asks that folks contact him through FB at facebook.com/Jamestown4H, or the 4-H website:
www.jamestown4hcenter.org

Upcoming Events and Community Sponsorships - 2015

2015 promises to be an active and fun year for the Tappahannock Rotary Club!
Please mark your calendars for these upcoming Rotary-sponsored community events:
*February 21, 2015 "Strings of the Heart" - will build on last year's successful... "Keys to the Heart" - 12 local artists will present live music accompanied by wine pairings and heavy appetizers. Location: Old Beale, 7 - 9 p.m. Cost is $35 per person.
*April 25, 2015, "The Virginians" - Richmond's Premiere Mens A Capella Vocal Ensemble - will perform at the Essex County High School's new auditorium. Details to follow. www.virginians.org

Recognizing Long-time Rotarian, Tappahannock Councilman, Sonny Terry - 8 January 2015

At the TRC's Jan 8th meeting, guest speaker, Chief of the Tappahannock Police Department, Jim Ashworth, presented a plaque of appreciation to long-time Rotarian and Tappahannock Councilman, Sonny Terry. The plaque reads:
"Presented to Cou...ncilman James C. "Sonny" Terry With Appreciation for his Continued Support of Law Enforcement in the Town of Tappahannock 1994 - 2014 from the Tappahannock Police Department"
Congratulations, Sonny! See More

Tappahannock's Finest. Tappahannock Police Chief Jim Ashworth - TRC Guest Speaker - 8 Jan 2015

TRC launched the New Year with an excellent presentation by Tappahannock Chief of Police, Jim Ashworth who was the guest of Rotarian Mr. Sonny Terry. Chief Ashworth, who served this region with the Virginia State P...olice since 1975, and upon his retirement became our Chief of Police in 2012, gave an overview of his teams' challenges and significant accomplishments over the past two years. Please consider visiting and "Liking" the Tappahannock Police Department FB Page both to learn more and to express our support of our local police

Professor Dale Harter - TRC Guest Speaker - 11 December 2014

At its December 11, 2014 meeting, TRC was treated to a rich presentation on "The Controversial Life and Legacy of Confederate Brigadier General J.R. Jones" by Professor Dale Harter. Mr. Harter is the Librarian at St. Margaret's School and was the guest of Rotary Member Louise Velletri.