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.