Notes from the Governor
Happy Rotary Holidays
I love the holidays. They bring out the best in people. In a non-Covid timeframe, my wife Katie and I would go downtown to Ford’s Theater and watch A Christmas Carol. The part that always made my day was when the holiday spirit would come over people who were arguing and they suddenly became happy.
That is exactly how I view Rotary during the holidays. We have clubs members who spend their time getting gifts for those in the hospital, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, making treats for their fellow Rotarians, and even getting gift cards for some of our more senior Virginians who might not be able to get out this year. 
 
I miss the get togethers – just like all of you do. The chance to see spouses and friends that I haven’t caught up with in some time. I also miss cooking for those parties or for friends who drop by. But, this is the reality we live in. I would prefer those individuals were alive and healthy than risk the chance that I or they might transmit this disease.
And then there was this past Sunday afternoon. The Rotary Club of Falls Church stopped by and did something that made my family’s week! President Rene arranged for a socially-distanced caroling for Rotarians and members of the community. They came by and sang songs for my daughter Jackie. We made some mulled cider and had some cookies for them. They were amazing and the woman who was their lead singer was fantastic! Jackie was excited and I have to tell you it was a highlight of our holiday season.
 
It was a simple thing that the Falls Church club did and it went to a point that I have been highlighting to clubs this year: If we start with the fellowship, the service will follow. 

They considered how to connect with their fellow Rotarians and then made sure that they could do so in a safe fashion. Great job, Falls Church Rotary in making this season bright for all of us!
 
Katie and I appreciate all of you and consider ourselves fortunate for having the opportunity to connect with each of you. So, during this holiday season, let me be very clear to everyone when I say that I wish each of you and your families very happy holidays and a prosperous and, eh-em, better 2021.
 
So, until we meet again in 2021…thank you for all that you do to make Rotary great and the family we need during these troubling times.
Thank you for everything you do.
Yours in Rotary,

DG Harry Henderson
In This Issue
  • Rosslyn Keeps Pedaling
  • North Stafford Gives Back
  • Who Was that Masked Rotarian?
  • Manassas Happenings
  • Springfield Interact Inductees
  • Rappahannock Pancake Day
  • Native Seedling Sales
  • Feeding the Homeless
  • Fairfax Gets Recognition
  • Arlington: Thanks and Honors
  • Military Training Sir!
  • New Members
Rosslyn Rotary Keeps Riding for Egyptian
Medical Center Project (Continued from November)
By Randy Fleitman, Rosslyn-Fort Myer
Members of the Rosslyn-Fort Myer Rotary Club are continuing their virtual bike ride along Interstate 90. The object is to raise $30,000 to buy X-ray and Sonogram machines for the new medical center in Tema, a community of 300,000 in Upper Egypt. We have over $13,000 pledged already. You can find more information on the project and donate by going to our club website at:


I am the current club President, Randy Fleitman, and when I reported in last month's newsletter, I had biked over 660 miles on the actual roads and trails in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania to represent the virtual tour from Seattle to Butte Montana. Starting from Seattle, I would have just passed Butte, Montana and crossed the Continental Divide. 
This month I am continuing biking East from Butte and heading on through Bozeman, Montana. I’m in Lewis and Clark country, near the source of the Missouri River. Some of you may know that the expedition took the hard way across the continental divide in the hope of finding that the Columbia River passed close enough to the Missouri to provide an easy portage and a water route across the country. Unfortunately, that proved not to be the case, and they almost died from the arduous journey. Fortunately, the Indians showed them the easy route for the trip back, following the Yellowstone River from its source to the Missouri River.  
At Montana mile 256, I passed near Cardwell, Montana, elevation 4285 feet, population about 50. Cardwell's claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of famed newscaster Chet Huntley. The Huntley-Brinkley Report began in October 1956 and ran until July 31, 1970, when the show became the NBC Nightly News. Chet Huntley died in 1974 and is buried in Bozeman. The Lewis and Clark Caverns and National Park are nearby. 
At mile 275, I passed through Three Forks, elevation 4,075, so I’m going downhill at last. It is near the point, in nearby Missouri Headwaters State Park, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers converge to form the Missouri River. The park was established in 1960 because the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped in 1805. Someday I want to bike and hike part of the Lewis and Clark Trail and see this park. I also want to visit Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi River.   
By mile 300, I had climbed up to an elevation of 4,459 feet, and reached the town of Belgrade. Wikipedia says the townsite was established in 1883 as an unmanned Northern Pacific railroad siding, and was named after the capital of Serbia to show appreciation to the Serbian investors who helped finance a portion of the Railroad.  
On Saturday, I reached the resort town of Bozeman. It’s named after John M. Bozeman, who established the Bozeman Trail connecting the gold rush territory of Montana to the Oregon Trail, and who founded the town in August 1864.

The Trail followed many north-south trails the American Indians had used since prehistoric times to travel through Powder River Country. This route was more direct and better watered than any previous trail into Montana. But the trail passed directly through territory deeded to the Crow nation in Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, but then occupied by the Shoshone, Arapaho, and Lakota nations.
Biking east from Bozeman, I climbed 1,200 feet to cross the Bozeman Pass’ elevation of 5,702 feet.  From there I coasted down 1,200 feet of elevation from the Pass to the town of Livingston, Montana I-90 Mile 219, on the Yellowstone River. It looks like I’ll be following the Yellowstone to Billings, where I-90 turns South to Wyoming. On Monday, I made it to the hamlet of Springdale (mile 352), where I enjoyed the hot spring.
I’m at Montana mile 376, and found Greycliff Prairie Dog Town, a State that protects and preserves the black-tailed prairie dog.  
North Stafford Rotary Club Grateful to Give Back
By Tracy McPeck, North Stafford
November was a busy month for NSRC, especially with setting up almost 200 Flags for Heroes in front of the Stafford County Courthouse for Veterans’ Day. This year’s Flags for Heroes event honored medical professionals, our first responders and, of course our veterans.
North Stafford Rotary Club board members with Stafford County Sheriff David P. Decatur (bottom left) and Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Meg Bohmke (bottom right)
 
Saturday, November 14 was a big day of service for NSRC as we kicked off with a turkey drive for S.E.R.V.E., the food pantry serving Stafford County. Members brought their turkeys at the same time for the requisite photo opportunity before departing to Widewater State Park for a cleanup with their park rangers. 
 
Then on Tuesday, November 17, we were treated to an episode of “Cooking with Love” with Benjamin and Deuntay Diggs. The couple demonstrated how to make an easy pumpkin cheesecake while chatting about diversity, inclusion, and love. In “real” life, Benjamin is an assistant high-school principal and Deuntay is a deputy with Stafford County, and their Cooking with Love series is not to be missed!
NSRC cleans up Widewater State Park; Benjamin and Deuntay Diggs present;
turkey drive for S.E.R.V.E.
Promote Rotary with Your Face Mask
By Jim Kirkpatrick, West Springfield
It looks like we’ll be wearing masks for quite some time, and what a great way to highlight Rotary. Although we’re all used to wearing Rotary shirts, caps and pins, when people look at you these days the first thing they notice is your mask. My club just purchased masks for all our members through the Russell Hampton Company (Rotary’s original vendor of club supplies) and since we ordered fifty the price was only $6.00 each.  Think of the impact if every member in the District wore a Rotary mask! You can order online at https://www.bestclubsupplies.com
What's Been Happening in Manassas? 
By Cindi Kacer, President, Manassas
The Manassas Club began our Zoom meetings in March, and only went two weeks without meetings.

We helped support our Rotary members Xiao-Yin Byrom and Kenny Loveless in their tremendous effort to provide thousands of masks to first responders and hospital personnel.
We raised $7,736 in our Food for the Hungry Drive, which was matched by the Club. A total of $15,472 was given to PWFR, and $6,500, from the Foundation was given to QBE Foundation, to provide meals for the hungry.

We continue to support drives for Georgetown South, with food, clothes, and school supplies, and currently Christmas presents.

The Foundation provided $10,000, which was matched by a donor, to ACTS. Again, to feed the hungry.
The Club has approved and paid for a Bronze Plaque to support the Jennie Dean Memorial, in which recognition will be given to the Club.

Ed Pratt has gone above and beyond to ensure the trees planted, in memory of past presidents, at Jennie Dean Memorial Park be replaced and maintained. 

On September 16th the Memorial Golf Tournament was held at Evergreen. Benefits went to Habitat for Humanity. It was a beautiful day, and fun for all.

With warmer weather we conducted Hybrid meetings, via Zoom and at the Boys and Girls Club pavilion.

We were able to continue Hybrid meetings at a local restaurant, however we're continuing now with Zoom, due to the current spike in Covid cases.


We formed a team of members, friends and family donating under “Team Rotary Club of Manassas, and participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's at the Boys and Girls Club on October 17th.

Although we will not be “Ringing Bells with the Salvation Army, the Foundation has approved a $5,000 donation.
Currently we are working on a Book Program with Bookworm Central, to provide books as Christmas presents to the children of Georgetown South.
SPRINGFIELD ROTARY CLUB’S INTERACT INDUCTEES: READY TO LEAD
By Ireka Sanders, Springfield
Rotary funds programs to make the world better by making peace a priority and developing the next generation of leaders.

John C. Maxwell, an author, coach, and motivational speaker describes a leader as one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
The Springfield Rotary Club grows leaders through its Interact Club. The Interact Club allows young men and women, ages 12 to 18, to connect with their communities by organizing service projects. 

“Interact allows kids to socialize while working to better the community; it attracts young leaders of character with a heart for service,” say Springfield Rotary President, Angela Contee.

Interact Clubs complete two service projects each year, one that helps their school or community and another that promotes international understanding.
 
“The Interact Club influences all the things I wish to become,” said Jada Sherffield, one of the inductees. “I strongly believe it will teach me to be the best version of myself.”
Rotary Club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop their leadership skills. The following students were Springfield Rotary Club 2020 inductees: Korban Thepsoumane, Jade Sherffield, Veronica Clarke, Jillian Huh, Kathryn Shaughnessy, Jeffrey Yates, Robert Silva, India Thomas, Kassie McKinney, Kayle McKinney and India Thomas.
Rappahannock-Fredericksburg Pancake Day
By Earl Baughman, Rappahannock-Fredericksburg
The first Saturday in December is normally the unofficial start of the Christmas season in Fredericksburg, and the Rappahannock-Fredericksburg Club is an integral part of the kickoff. Rotarians start preparing meals with pancakes, sausage, and apples at oh-dark thirty in order to begin serving meals at 8:00 AM. Serving continues throughout the day until the Christmas parade begins meandering through the downtown streets at 5:00 PM.

That is under "normal" conditions, and the photo below shows what a "normal" crowd looks during a "normal" year. Obviously, this is not a "normal" year, and instead of the Christmas parade meandering through the streets, the floats were stationary and the parade-goers meandered past the line-up. Just as the parade had to adapt to the current realities of Covid-19, the club had to come up with a plan which didn't involve packing crowds of people into the Fredericksburg Baptist Church.
After pondering the situation for awhile, club leadership decided that since we couldn't bring people to the pancakes, we would take pancakes to the people. Pancake meal "kits" consisting of enough pancake mix, cooked apples, sausage links, and syrup to feed two people would be distributed to club members for sale to their friends and neighbors. The photos below show Rappahannock-Fredericksburg Club members assembling the kits while wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
Past President Tom Carlson (seated) and Roarke Anderson are both in the Santa Mode as they prepare sausages for the kits.
Joan McLaughlin has become "One" with the pancake mix.
Kits ready to go
The final product - Photo provided by Peg Johnson, longtime friend and new neighbor of the editor
In previous years, club members would give tickets for pancake day to the homeless and less fortunate in our community. This year, several club members remembered these folks by providing kits to the various agencies who work directly with those in need.
Native Seedling Sale
By Randy Fleitman, Rosslyn-Fort Myer
Protecting the environment is an important new Rotary Area of focus. Here is an opportunity to support native species of plants, animals and insects, absorb carbon from the atmosphere, and beautify your surroundings. The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District holds a Native Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale each spring. The theme and exact species vary from year to year. Orders open online on February 2, 2021. In 2021, the seedlings will be available for pickup with COVID safety guidelines at the Sleepy Hollow Bath and Racquet Club in Falls Church on Friday April 16 and Saturday April 17, 2021.
The district's annual seedling sale makes low-cost bare-root native shrub and tree seedlings available to Northern Virginia residents. Seedling packages are announced in January, go on sale in February and are available for pickup in April. Trees and shrubs help cleanse water, prevent soil erosion, provide habitat, cool our climate and clean our air. Consider adding native trees and shrubs to your community today!
This year’s seedling sale features small shrubs and trees which are hardy in small spaces and bear gorgeous flowers and fruits, and display beautiful colors. The fruits and flowers that these plants grow are important food sources to birds and pollinators, and are delicious treats for us! By planting these native species, you are directly contributing to the betterment of our environment. The plants in each package clean our water and air, prevent soil erosion, provide valuable habitat, and add beauty to your property.
FACETS - Feeding the Homeless
By Gary Black, Springfield
On 29 November, the Rotary Club of Springfield in conjunction with Scouts of Troop 1131, sponsored by St Stephens United Methodists Church in Burke, VA, delivered needed food items to be distributed by FACETS on Monday 30 November 2020. The Rotary Club of Springfield contributed over $200 of food to include fruit, granola bars, fruit cups, juice boxes and bottled water. 
These items were combined with hot meal portions prepared by local restaurants and delivered to the Fairfax County homeless community. Participants included Susan Hedrick and Carol Herrity-Tun and Rotarians Jim Hedrick, Wayne Chiles, Joan Ledebur, Phil Sternberg, and Mark Blanchard. The Rotary Club of Springfield has been working with the Scouts of Troop 1131 for over 6 years to prepare and deliver food on the fifth Monday of every month to the County’s homeless community.
FACETS serves individuals and families who are homeless, low income, unstably housed, and at-risk of homelessness in Fairfax County. These individuals face significant challenges and have fewer ways to protect themselves from the pandemic.
Given our expertise, we have assumed a leadership role during this crisis, remaining on the frontlines and expanding our emergency services and basic needs programming.
Our COVID-19 response efforts are focused on the following areas:
· Shelter
· Food
· Medical Outreach
· Emergency Financial Assistance
· Infection Prevention & Education
· Prioritizing High-Risk Clients
· Coordinating Services

Phone: 703-352-5090
Farifax Club Recognized by the City of Fairfax
By Paula Kelly, Fairfax
Ms. Carolyn Pitches, the chair of the City of Fairfax School board, recently notified Barry Gordon, president of Fairfax Rotary, that the Rotary club would receive special recognition for its significant contributions to the City of Fairfax Schools on December 7th at 7:30 pm during the School Board meeting. This meeting will also be televised on Channel 12. Education and Literacy, one of Rotary’s six areas of focus, is of significant importance to Fairfax Rotary. The club helps area students through the following programs:

  • Webster dictionaries are distributed to third graders in the city each year by Rotarians

  • Five scholarships are awarded by the Rotary club to seniors at Fairfax High School

  • Constitution booklets with an instructional packet are distributed to eighth graders each year by the Rotary Club

  • Rotarians often participate in the Read Across America program

  • This year, the Rotary club, along with the Setty Foundation, contributed $9,000 to A Place to Stand, which helped to feed economically disadvantaged students in the city through its subsidiary called, A Place to Eat and;

  • The Rotary Club sponsors a Speech and Essay contest each year in the schools
Fairfax Rotary gives donation to A Place to Stand charity for Fairfax City students:

Pictured from Left to Right:  Fairfax Rotary New Generations Director Verne Tuininga, Dr. Phyllis Pajardo, Superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools and Fairfax Rotarian, Kate Malesky of A Place To Stand, and Fairfax Rotary president Barry Gordon, handing the donation check to Ms. Malesky. Note: All parties were wearing masks except for the photo.
Arlington Rotary:
Holiday Thanks And an Honor for Walter Webdale
By Bob Carolla, Arlington
In November, Arlington Rotary Club (ARC) began celebrating the holidays early, purchasing hats, scarves, gloves, and Giant and Target gift cards for 32 teenagers who live in low-income households as part of AHC's  annual holiday gift drive.

Karma? The timing was perfect.
There was another reason to celebrate. Arlington’s Inter-Service Club Council honored club member Walter Webdale with its 2020 Service Award. For 50 years, Walter has been a leader in Northern Virginia and elsewhere for affordable housing to benefit middle and low income families. He is AHC’s president and CEO.

“We are proud of Walter,” said club president Chelsi Dildine. “We are proud of all our partners and members. We thank everyone who supports our work together for education, housing, eliminating food insecurity and other needs." 
On Nov. 30, club members packed food for the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). Both AHC and AFAC are partners with the club for community service.

For the holidays, ARC has encouraged members of the public through its social media to consider direct donations to its partners.
Arlington members pack food for AFAC, one of its community service partners. 
Arlington Rotary president Chelsi Dildine has presents ready for delivery as part of AHC, Inc.’s holiday drive. 
Besides AFAC and AHC, club’s partners include Arlington THRIVE for emergency relief, Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN, Doorways for Women & Children, Empowering Enrichment, INOVA, Key School-Escuela Key, Little Friends for Peace and Volunteer Arlington.

“Worldwide and nationally, in Arlington and throughout District 7610, we all know that 2020 has been a tragic, difficult year.” Cheldi said. The pandemic has had disproportionate impacts also on the most vulnerable members in our communities. We all will continue to meet challenges in 2021.”
Military Training Sir!
By Ireka Sanders, Springfield
On Saturday, December 5th, members of Springfield Rotary Club and the local Humanity Matters Interact Club provided opportunities for Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) testing and training to the pipeline of young leaders seeking to serve in the military after high school.
 
The impact of COVID on the region continues to fluctuate. Candidates must find innovative ways to meet military service requirements, which are not “waived” even under COVID restrictions.
 
“This effort is important because things have changed so drastically in the COVID era. CFA training and testing is very difficult for our regional community: school administrators, counselors, coaches, etc., with the ever-increasing COVID restrictions," said Pat Locke, a member of the Springfield Rotary Club and a 1986 U.S. Military Academy graduate.
One way the Springfield Rotary Club and Interact Club help military recruitment efforts, is by training and testing young cadet candidates so they can reach their goal on the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA). 
 
“This was one way to thank our military community for their invaluable service to our nation,” said Jada Sherffield, a member of the Interact Club. “The CFA is a required test for academy submission and COVID has made it increasingly difficult to not only test but also train.
The CFA serves as a community service project for Interact Club members. It requires early Saturday morning participation where members help with safety protocols to manage equipment and test assessment procedures. For this service project, five Rotarians and five interactors provided motivation and assistance to over 20 academy candidates from 15 different high schools, 7 school districts, and four states.

This CFA test site was provided by the generous Fort Belvoir Leadership. They recognized the importance of the service academies’ admission and support the adequate space for Springfield Rotary club to safely conduct the cadet fitness test.
New Members
These are the new members added in November 2020