# 115 Sandston

I have been holding off on this club because it is only 30 mins from my home.  But it was a special treat to come today as it was "New Generation Day", with four members bringing their children.  I am a strong proponent of sharing Rotary with our children and grandchildren, so I was especially pleased to see the younger set.  Now I was told the pizza is a regular on the buffet, not just for the kids.  My table-mates were gracious and have invited me to visit anytime.
Member Jerry is awarded his 3rd Paul Harris, I love being able to witness the success of members and clubs.
Now the raffle tickets are a good deal, an arm's length for $5, needless to say I bought $5, and I actually won, so that $25 will go to Polio Plus.
The club's signature project is a van for the USO at the airport  that will provide transportation to the military men and women at the Richmond airport.

Meal: $10
Donation: $10
raffle: $25 (club to submit)

#114 RLI Murfreesboro

The Graduates are pinned

Bevin accepts the certificate, with other facilitators, Bob Stinson,
Pamela Wall and  Brenda Tinkman, Tom Payne scooted out earlier

I received an urgent email at the beginning of the week that the Murfreesboro RLI session was in need of another facilitator.  Before I agreed to help, I had to locate Murfreesboro on a map, fortunately it was near the border and was only a 2 1/2 hour drive. Chowan University is a lovely campus in the middle of nowhere. The participants were great as they usually are; good sharing of ideas and information.  I have to say the lunch was by far the nicest and best of all the RLI's, yes better than the University of Richmond.

At the end of the day we had two graduate from Part III.  As well, I presented Bevin Wall with a certificate for the 200 Club Challenge.

# 113 Hampton Roads

looking for 9 more bowling pins

3 weeks until the Bowling Tournament

Watch out Powhatan, there is a competition for most energy in a club!  My emails to the club went into Spam folders, but I took my chances on the meeting date and arrived to find some familiar faces. Fortunately they informed President Clenise, that I was on the up and up and she welcomed me with open arms.  Now the first thing I was told by the members that they were a very energenic club, so I'm thinking to myself, we'll see...it was pretty routine to start, with the exception of the member wearing a hard hat with a large styrofoam 3 on top.

When another visiting Rotarian and I were introduced the club sang a welcome song, and they were good! This is another first for me, amazing how many new things I see, I have definitely learned I haven't seen it all when it comes to Rotary meetings. 
The meeting was a rally for an upcoming Bowling Fundraiser in 3 weeks.   Each committee had their turn at addressing the group and each group was more energetic than the previous group.  I especially loved Winfred telling the members how shameful it would be if they could not come up with $4200 worth of items for the silent auction.  There was fun rousing between the men and women of the club.  The same member with the hardhat came out wearing a bowling pin outfit during this part of  the meeting.  This is a club that likes to have fun, and raise funds in a fun way.

Meal: $13
Banner $5
Donation $20 (from a member)

# 112 Exmore

When I arrived to the Moose Lodge in Belle Haven, the members were enjoying Thanksgiving in January, turkey, stuffing and the trimmings. President Hal was cruising somewhere in warmer waters so the PE,   , welcomed me and had soup and a plate of food delivered to my table.  Shortly thereafter, I was introduced and went over my quest.  After my talk, one member announced that the club should extend their support and gave a shout out to another member who suggested the winner of the evening raffle should donate her winnings (this was his wife).  From that they suggested that all members give something by leaving something in the basket on their way out....the total amount was $147!!  I was overwhelmed.  And while I was not with the club for a full meeting, they were gracious and generous and I thank each and everyone! 

From here, I drove back over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and it is just as beautiful at night as it was in the day.

Meal:$13
Additional donation: $147

#111 Onancock

Still on the Eastern Shore another water view restaurant.  I have to say I just missed the sunset, but I have been assured that it is amazing and been invited back when the sun sets a bit later in the evening. This is the smallest club in 7600. With nine in attendance it was very informal and you really felt a part of this group. 
One member shared his Polio experience, a friend of his contracted Polio and was in an iron lung in Richmond.  The paralysis was up to his neck and they feared he would only have days to live.  The Boston Red Socks were playing in Washington and someone working at the team's hotel asked if Ted Williams (the boy's favorite player) would autograph a ball for him as a last moment of happiness.   The ball arrived at the hospital and the boy's fever amazingly went down and he began to recover.  Today he is still a friend of the Rotarian; healthy, walking and I will presume that he may still have the coveted ball.

This was an inviting club and while I did not part take in the meal, it looked and smelled amazing.  I scurried off as they were sitting down so that I could meet with the Exmore club 15 minutes down the road.  I very much appreciate the two clubs working together so that I could maximize my time.  I will however share a meal with this club in the future.

This small community boasts two clubs, this the evening club and on Tuesday mornings a breakfast club.

Meal $10

# 110 Cape Charles

Do you see the water behind the members?

President Bill goes over club business

President Bill and i-past President Mark share a banner with me

I want to point out that prior to coming to Cape Charles I attended my own club meeting, the first of four today.  While I am not counting West Point for purpose of the ongoing Challenge, I want to report that we have a new caterer, Melissa Hartman from Jessica's Sweet Shop in Gloucester and the food is absolutely fabulous!!!!!  We went from having my least favorite breakfast to the best and the attendance is reflecting this new and improved food.

On to Cape Charles, wow what a trip over here.  If you have never taken the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to the Eastern Shore, make plans to do so as it was a most beautiful ride and the scenery was breath taking.  With an address of 1 Marina Circle, I figure it has to be on the water...WOW what a view!  The meeting room is bright and airy with a Floridian feel.  Asked if we need to close the blinds for my presentation, I replied not with  these views, keep the blinds open.  So with spectacular views we had a meal of, yes, chicken(very tasty), collared greens and the best mac and cheese I've had in a long, long time!   The group was great with questions about the NID experience and is working on polio fundraising.

When I inquire about the land across the Bay I was informed that it was Yorktown, I could have taken the boat to this meeting. Although they said that no one has done that to date.  Also interesting is that the club previously met on the ferry boat , what an interesting concept.  A very enjoyable lunch, I'm sure I will be back for a make up, maybe I'll come by boat.

Meal: $8 (brought up to $10)
Banner: $5

#109 Manassas

Feels like I've been here before, yes this club meets in the same location as the Bull Run Club.  This is one busy club with service projects and fundraisers.  Today was a Club Assembly, and it is comforting to know other clubs face similar situations when it comes to increasing membership.  I was able to share what our club is working on to identify new members in our community.  The big event on the Manassas calendar is a Reverse Raffle and while I did not know the exact workings of the raffle the club was every excited about the opportunity.  The club's signature project is a Child Wellness Festival which is held in the fall and provides health screening and healthy lifestyle activities.  They try to address all areas of wellness, something I would like to learn more about.  Another fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc is a Lock-up, members; John and Brent will be locked-up and each need to raise $3200 to be released.  Also the club noted that they raised over $2800 during their bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Many good things at this club.

The newsletter/bulletin is an 8 page high gloss compilation and very nicely done!