Kevin Goff, Director of the River Program at St. Margaret's School, Guest Speaker for July 2nd TRC Meeting

TRC member, Doc Frank, introduced his guest speaker for the July 2nd meeting, Kevin Goff, who has recently become Director of the River Program at St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock. The program, funded by the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund is designed to encourage environmental service and community engagement. Among Goff's priorities for the coming years: encourage student-driven, immersive, experiential learning that is both substantive and stimulating; to use local environmental issues as a window onto global sustainability issues; to ensure science-based, outdoor experiences in beautiful places for the SMS students.

Passing of the Gavel to Incoming TRC President Wright Andrews for 2015/2016

Passing of the Gavel...At the July 2nd meeting, Assistant District Governor, Bill Croxton, officiated over the swearing in of Wright Andrews as the incoming President of the Tappahannock Rotary Club for 2015/2016 and the honoring of outgoing President John Gregory for his leadership in 2014/1015.

Polio Plus - Eradicating a Disease - TRC Contributes $2,000

In the News: C. Norman Wood, immediate Past President, announced at the June 18th meeting that TRC has recently contributed $2,000 to the "Polio Plus" campaign, Rotary International's long-term campaign to eradicate the disease. https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/end-polio

Rotarian Alessa Fleming Requests Support for Wounded Warrior Games - 2015 DOD

Rotarian Alessa Leming asked members of TRC and the community to consider supporting the Wounded Warrior Games - DOD 2015 being held at Quantico June 19 - 28.  Alessa said that visiting the events and supporting the cause would be greatly appreciated.  http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2015/0615_warriorgames/

Joanne Ruffa and Michael Faulkner Program on Bogota, Colombia, June 18th TRC Meeting

Joanne Ruffa was the featured speaker at the TRC June 18th meeting.  She and Michael Faulkner prepared the slide presentation with an international twist about their recent trip to Colombia, South America where JoJo toured areas including the capital, Bogota, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, and Montserrat, while Michael judged dog shows.  Stay tuned for more coverage in "The Lighter Side of Judging", Michael's bi-weekly humor article in "Dog World" magazine. Tappahannock and its people are regularly featured in this column - current and past articles are available at:  http://www.dognews.com/archives/ at no charge

Friends of the Rapphannock's Richard Moncure - Guest Speaker at June 11th TRC Meeting

Richard Moncure, Rappahannock Steward, "Friends of the Rappahannock", was the featured speaker at TRC's June 11th meeting as guest of Jerry Duval.  Richard highlighted the 3 objectives of the 30 year old organization:  Education, Restoration, Advocacy.  With the message "Healthy Rivers Start at Home", he encouraged us to continue educating ourselves and to remain vigilant about restoring the health of our Rappahannock River.  Two topics of particular interest to TRC's members were:  the dangerous Dead Zones in the Rappahannock because it does not naturally flush well; and the Blue Catfish invasion - Since the introduction of this non-native species decades ago, 90% of the bio-mass of the Rappahannock is now Blue Catfish.  Moncure suggested a market driven approach might be the only way to remedy the situation.  Cost of membership in Friends of the Rapphannock is $30.  Local HQ is at June Parker Marina, and we were encouraged to stop by to learn more and get involved.

Congressman Rob Wittman - Guest Speaker at TRC's June 4th Meeting

TRC was honored to have U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman (Virginia's 1st District) as its speaker at the June 4th meeting - the guest of Rotarian Vince Donoghue, Essex County's Commonwealth Attorney. Representative Wittman serves on both the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Natural Resources. His speech focused primarily on regenerating military readiness. He stated his view that a strong military is necessary to deter aggression, shape world situations, yet no...t to go to war except as a last resort. He also said that while the U.S. may help Arab states that want to defeat extremists, any solution to the ISIS problem must have an Islamic face to be successful. Among his other areas of focus: small business support, Congress working together, addressing the Sequester issue, and the Federal budget. The Congressman engaged with the Rotarians in a lively Q&A session.

TRC Joins in Recognizing Essex Community Outstanding Teachers

 

 

At its May 28th meeting, Tappahannock Rotary Club joined in recognizing outstanding teachers from the Essex community. Awards were presented to Robert LaFollette, recipient of both Essex High School and County-wide Teacher of the Year; Valerie Taylor, Teacher of the Year Tappahannock Elementary School; and Amber Sydnor, Teacher of the Year Essex Intermediate School. Also recognized by Rotary for "Tireless Dedication and Outstanding Service to the Students of Essex County Public Schools" were: Vickie Favazza, Essex High School English Teacher and Drama Coach; Teresa Harris, Tappahannock Elementary School Music Teacher; Perry Wormley, Essex Intermediate and High School Chorus Teacher; and Michael Loveless, Essex Intermediate and High School Band Teacher.      

 

TRC Joins in Recognizing Essex Community Outstanding Teachers

 

At its May 28th meeting, Tappahannock Rotary Club joined in recognizing outstanding teachers from the Essex community. Awards were presented to Robert LaFollette, recipient of both Essex High School and County-wide Teacher of the Year; Valerie Taylor, Teacher of the Year Tappahannock Elementary School; and Amber Sydnor, Teacher of the Year Essex Intermediate School. Also recognized by Rotary for "Tireless Dedication and Outstanding Service to the Students of Essex County Public Schools" were: Vickie Favazza, Essex High School English Teacher and Drama Coach; Teresa Harris, Tappahannock Elementary School Music Teacher; Perry Wormley, Essex Intermediate and High School Chorus Teacher; and Michael Loveless, Essex Intermediate and High School Band Teacher.      

 

TRC Recognizes Tommy Neuman For 100% Paul Harris Fellows Club Leadership

At the May 28th TRC meeting, immediate past-President, C. Norman Wood presented Tommy Neuman with a well-deserved recognition for "exemplary service for his untiring effort as Foundation Chair for the 2013 - 2014 year in achieving 100% Paul Harris Fellows for the Tappahannock Rotary Club". This significant achievement means that a club has 100% membership participation; with donations of a minimum of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation Annual Programs Fund, during the calendar year. Thank you, Tommy!

Tappahannock Rotary Club Welcomes President Paul Parfrey and Wife, Lynn, Swindon - Phoenix Rotary Club - District 1100 - United Kingdom

TRC's May 14th guest speaker was Paul Parfrey, President of the Swindon - Phoenix Rotary Club, District 1100, United Kingdom. Paul and his wife, Lynn, were the guests this past week of Bill and Carole Croxton - continuing a multi-year exchange between our clubs. Swindon - Phoenix RC was chartered in 2012 with the motto "Fiduciam et Respectu", and is committed to Fun, Friendship, and Fellowship, and to "doing things differently". Paul, whose career highlights have included ...national policing and counter-terrorism work, also inspired us by sharing more than fourteen projects the very active club is engaged. These include: health projects for blood pressure checks, epilepsy and breast cancer support days, and a guide dog charity; sporting activities including a Santa Run, Dragon Boat racing, and a horseless steeplechase; support activities for local schools; river barge trips for disadvantaged and disabled kids; and British theme nights including St. George's Day and Burns Night celebrations.

 

Pictured at Rotary meeting:  l to r:  Bill Croxton, Paul Parfrey, TRC President John Gregory

Pictured at Merroir, Locklies Marina, Topping, Virginia:  l to r:  Bill Croxton, Paul Parfrey, David Broad, Carole Croxton, Lynn Parfrey, Margaret Broad

Winners of Tappahannock Rotary Club Annual Andrew Reavis Memorial Croaker Tournament - May 16, 2015

Winners of the $4,500 prize money in Tappahannock Rotary Club's Annual Andrew Reavis Memorial Croaker Tournament held Saturday, May 16th: (l to r, 1st Place - Deral Wertz; 2nd Place – Robert Fenter; 1st Place Youth Division – Tye Morris; 3rd Place – Andy Davis; 4th Place Phillip Donnelly with crew Eric Montgomery and Morby Montgomery; 5th Place- Ronald Morris; Event Chairman, Bill Reavis; Tappahannock Rotary Club President, John Gregory; not pictured: 2nd Place Youth Division – Michael Johnson; 3rd Place Youth Division Brandon Corbin).

 

This was the 12th year of the TRC's Croaker Tournament!  Ninety-four boats were registered for this year's tournament which spanned the county from June Parker Marina to Garrett's Marina where the concluding ceremony was held.

May 7th TRC Guest Speaker, Cynthia Barrack, RN, Riverside Hospice Program

Our guest speaker at the May 7th TRC meeting was Cynthia Barrack, RN, Home Care Division Community Liaison for Riverside Hospice Program - Tappahannock and Gloucester areas.
http://www.riversideonline.com/homecare/hospice.cfm

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.