Stories

President Ingrid Parris-Hicklin (left) and her team of officers and directors are on the job, moving the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner forward into Rotary Year 2011-12!

Ingrid was installed as president on June 16, 2011, by incoming District Governor Jon Allan during the Club's installation dinner at Clyde's of Tysons Corner.  Ingrid will serve for the Rotary year that begins July 1, 2011, and ends June 30, 2012.  Ingrid's installation speech can be viewed online by clicking the second button under Site Pages (at left).  

The Club lost one of its most beloved members on April 22 with the death of Will Soza.  Will was an organizer and charter member of the Tysons Corner Rotary Club in 1983 and served as its first treasurer.  He went on to serve as president in 1988-89.  Will was known as a dedicated Rotarian, highly successful businessman and entrepreneur, and community volunteer.  He was involved in many other organizations including George Mason University, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and the Diocese of Arlington.  In recent years the always-generous Will and his wife, Susan (at left), opened their home to host our Spring Wine Tasting Gala.  The Club extends its sincere condolences to Susan and the Soza family. 

SAVE THE DATE!

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.

An optimist is the human personification of spring.

Meet Kamlesh:  District Governor Janet Brown welcomes the Club's newest member, Kamlesh Chainani, after inducting him at our July 30 meeting.  Kamlesh's classification is IT Services, and he was sponsored by PDG Bishnu Poudel.  Kamlesh was the owner of FC Business Systems before retiring.  Welcome!

Our Ambassador:  Sam Roudebush exchanges a Tysons Corner banner with Brian Crawley of the Vancouver South Rotary Club, while District 5040 Asst. Governor Davinder Grewal looks on.  Sam found time to take a break from his doctoral studies to head northwest to British Columbia.

Change of Command:  Incoming President Dick Strean (left) presents outgoing President Richard Lanier with a ceremonial gavel after Dick was sworn in as Club President for 2015-16 by District Governor Rich Storey.  Westwood Country Club was the venue for this year's festive Installation Dinner on June 25.  Photo by Bill Knopf.

On Your Mark:   Looking oddly like the Blues Brothers, Tim Long (far left) and Burt Heacock (far right) pause while helping organize the Tysons Chamber 5K Race at Tysons Corner Center on May 3.  They are joined by Robin McGlothin (left) of Insight Memory Care Center (IMCC) and Benie Doctolero (right) of the Tysons Chamber.  IMCC, an organization long supported by our Club, was the beneficiary of race proceeds.  Tysons Corner Rotary sponsored a table at the race.    
 

The Club mourns the passing of one of its charter members, Glenn Rounsevell, who died on March 27 after a long battle with lung cancer and Parkinson’s disease.  Glenn died at home surrounded by his wife, Ann, three daughters, and son.  One of the “Greatest Generation,” Glenn served heroically in World War II and then pursued a long and storied career in the federal government.  After leaving government service he became a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and, among his many roles, owner of Flint Hill School.  He was a member of the new Rotary Club of Tysons Corner chartered on April 12, 1983, and gained a reputation as the writer of birthday limericks to celebrate each member’s birthday.    

The photo above shows Glenn (behind the lamp) at the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy during the fall of Saigon on April 29, 1975, helping South Vietnamese citizens over the embassy wall and into safety.  Glenn struggled valiantly to save as many Vietnamese as he could.   

Taste Time:  Guests at the Club's "Rotary on the Vine" Spring Wine Gala enjoyed sampling a wide variety of fine wines along with gourmet food and live entertainment.  The March 14 event at the Gannett Building featured a host of wine experts from around the country convened by our own Gray Mosby.  Above, Claude Koeberle of Soliste Cellars in Sonoma, Calif., pours one of his exquisite Pinot Noirs.  Photo by Bill Knopf 

Have Camera, Will Travel:  You never know what you'll learn about a new member at a classification talk!  On Feb. 5, photographer Bill Knopf presented the entertaining story of how his camera, and his desire to help young people, have taken him on an amazing odyssey.  Bill has ridden on horseback in wagon trains from Maine to Key West, sailed on tall ships, worked in schools and circus camps, and even won four state chili-cook-off championships!  Above, Bill poses with some of the regalia bestowed upon him by the Crow Indians during his time with them.  The Crow Nation honored Bill with two prized titles: "Crier of the Nation" and "Pipe Carrier."  We're glad to have Bill as a Tysons Corner Rotarian!  

A Rich Heritage:  The beauty and 5,000-year history of Korean culture were on vivid display January 15 thanks to two representatives from the Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project. Director Kyungwon Pak (left) and Program Coordinator Younhee Shin (right), outfitted in beautiful silk floral-print gowns with elaborate embroidery, detailed the importance of Korean history from ancient times through modern-day South Korea and its role as a world leader in technology.  The KSCP Project, based in Flushing, N.Y., offers complimentary books and other resources on Korean culture (www.kscpp.net).

A Jolly Good Time:  Visiting the Club's annual Holiday Breakfast once again was Santa Claus himself, bearing a remarkable resemblance to Charter Member Todd Meloy.  Santa is joined by another charter member, PDG Bish Poudel, at the Dec. 18 event at the Tower Club.  Ho, ho, ho!  Photo by Bill Knopf

Gift Time:  Club President Richard Lanier (left) and RCTC Foundation Treasurer David Danner (right) present the "Big Check" for $1,500 to Meredith Mayo of Alternative House at the Club's Holiday Breakfast on Dec. 18.  The Club also presented checks to several other local groups including Insight Memory Care Center, Shepard's Center, McLean Orchestra, Fairfax Firefighters & Friends, and the Lewinsville and Pimmit Hills senior centers.  Photo by Bill Knopf

Welcome:  Past District Governor Bishnu Poudel (right) introduces the Club's newest member, Dr. Gopal Pal (center), following his induction by President Richard Lanier (left) at the Club's Holiday Breakfast on Dec. 18, 2014.  Gopal is a dentist in McLean and president of Pal Dental Group. He was sponsored by PDG Bish.  Photo by Bill Knopf

Kettle Duty:  Dave Young (left) and David Danner (right) ring bells for the Salvation Army outside Macy's at Tysons Corner Center on Dec. 13, 2014.  Helping the Salvation Army on a Saturday during the Christmas season has been a Club tradition since the 1980s. 

Congratulations:  Laurie Kent, second from left, proudly displays her membership certificate in the Paul Harris Society.  Members of the Society pledge to donate at least $1,000 per year to The Rotary Foundation.  Making the presentation on Nov. 13, 2014, are (from left) District Governor Elect Janet Brown, PDG Sandy Duckworth, and PDG Chuck Davidson.  Photo by BIll Knopf

Welcome Aboard:  Joining the Club on Nov. 13 is Ann Page, left, receiving her Rotary pin from Assistant Governor Ronnie Chantker. Her classification is Real Estate Services - Commercial, and she was sponsored by PDG Bishnu Poudel.  Ann is managing director of Keller Williams Commercial in McLean.  Photo by Bill Knopf

Magical Moment:  The 2014 Monte Carlo Night at the Fairview Park Marriott on Nov. 7 offered something for everyone: good food, live music and dancing, silent and live auctions, and - of course - gambling!  Top: Burt Heacock (right), overall chair of the four-club event, shares a triumphant moment with Tysons Corner organizer Catherine Ahearn.  Bottom: Bill Schipper takes a break from academia to preside over one of many blackjack tables.  The elegant event is one of two major fundraisers annually for the Tysons Corner Rotary Club.

Our Newest Rotarians:  Susan Smith (left) and Bill Knopf (center) are welcomed by President Richard Lanier on Oct. 23 after receiving their official RCTC baseball caps.  Both were inducted on Oct. 16.  Susan is a Realtor with Long and Foster, and her classification is Real Estate Service.  Bill is the owner of Tamarack Images and his classification is Photography.  Their sponsors are PDG Bishnu Poudel and Rick Kaplar, respectively.  Welcome!  Photo by Tony Rounds (using Bill's camera)

The breadsticks were endless as Tysons Corner Rotarians, their family members, and friends gathered for a "family dinner" at the Olive Garden in Tysons Corner on Oct. 21.  President Nominee Marshal Hyman organized the event, which featured a special menu and private dining room. It was a night for good food and good fellowship!  Above, Marshal holds court with his daughter and grandkids, who had a great time.

The Club sponsored a reception at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna on Oct. 16 to introduce prospective members to the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner. Friends and colleagues of members learned about the Club and Rotary International from President Richard Lanier and other members while enjoying the congenial atmosphere of the Westwood.  The highly successful event was made possible through the generosity of Membership Chair and President Elect Dick Strean.  Photo by Bill Knopf

Capitol Comments:  Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) addressed the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner on Oct. 9, touching on everything from the success of the Metrorail Silver LIne to the intractable problems in Syria and the Middle East.  An honorary Rotarian, Rep. Connolly has represented the 11th Congressional District of Virginia (which includes our local area) since 2009.  Prior to that he served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years, including five years as chairman.  Above, Rep. Connolly (center) pauses after the meeting with Club President Richard Lanier (left) and Michael San Juan (right).  Photo by Bill Knopf

Water Boosters:  Tysons Corner Rotarians participated in the Third Annual Run/Walk for Water at Burke Lake Park on Sept. 28 to benefit the District 7610 Strategic Water Alliance.  Above, Becky Parker (center) of RBC Wealth Management presents an RBC sponsorship check for $1,000 to Patricia Velkoff (left) of the Vienna Rotary Club, who chairs the Alliance.  At right is Tysons Corner Rotarian Laurie Kent of RBC.  The event drew 73 participants and raised about $7,000.  The D7610 Water Alliance is a group of 14 area Rotary clubs responsible for dozens of new wells and sanitation facilities in the Copperbelt Region of Zambia.

Governor’s Visit:  Sharing this year’s Rotary theme, “Light Up Rotary,” is District Governor Rich Storey (second from right).  He made his official visit to the Club on Sept. 11, joined by his wife, Carol (far left).  The governor of District 7610 was introduced by Assistant Governor Ronnie Chantker (second from left) and joined by Club President Richard Lanier (far right).

Picnic Time:  Former member Christoph Roessler was the guest of honor at the Club Picnic on Aug. 23 at the home of Brian Mansir and Catherine Ahearn.  Everyone at the picnic enjoyed Brian and Catherine’s hospitality, as well as the barbecue, brauts, and sloppy joe prepared by Tony Rounds.  Christoph was also the Club’s breakfast speaker on Aug. 21, reporting that all is well in Germany with Stephanie and the twins.  

College Bound:  The winners of this year’s RCTC Foundation scholarships visited the Club on Aug. 7 before heading off to school.  At left is Tiffany Wong, who plans to major in business at the University of Virginia.  At right is Megha Luthra, who will study biomedical engineering at George Mason University.  Both are June graduates of George C. Marshall High School.  Showing them the panoramic Tower Club view is Burt Heacock, who led this year’s scholarship interviews at Marshall. 

  Seeing Progress:  Immediate Past President Tim Long is spending early August in Zambia as head of a District 7610 Strategic Water Alliance delegation monitoring the progress of wells and sanitary facilities funded by Rotary grants.  The Water  Alliance, comprised of 10 Northern Virginia Rotary clubs, has already made possible the drilling of more than a dozen wells.  In this photo, Tim (second from right) presents a banner from the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner to the Rotary Club of Luanshya, Zambia.

Partners in Wine:  Louis Cinelli (right), manager of The Vineyard wine shop in McLean, presents a check to Tim Long, president of the Tysons Corner Rotary Club, representing a portion of The Vineyard's sales from the Club's 2014 "Rotary on the Vine" Spring Wine Gala. The Vineyard has been supporting the Tysons Rotary Wine Gala for six years.  Funds raised from the Gala go directly to charities in the Tysons/McLean area as well as a water and sanitation project in Zambia.

Society Gathering: At the Installation Dinner on June 19, Past District Governor Sandy Duckworth (left) unveils a banner recognizing the Club’s five Paul Harris Society members. These are Paul Harris Fellows who pledge to donate at least $1,000 per year to The Rotary Foundation. From left: Tim Long, Ronnie Chantker, Sam Roudebush, Suzanne McDougall, and David Danner. At right is DGE Rich Storey. 

It’s Official:  District Governor Elect Rich Storey (center) pauses with outgoing President Tim Long (left) and incoming President Richard Lanier (right) at the conclusion of the Club’s June 19 Installation Dinner at Wildfire Restaurant. DGE Rich installed Richard as Club President for the Rotary Year beginning July 1.

Change of Command:  This year’s Installation Dinner, one of our Club’s highly anticipated events, will take place in only one week. The 2014-15 ceremonies are set for June 19 at the Wildfire Restaurant on the upper level of Tysons Galleria.

Current President Tim Long will pass the gavel to President Elect Richard Lanier, whose term will begin officially on July 1. Incoming District Governor Rich Storey is expected to be on hand to install Richard and his team.  

Members who attended last year’s dinner at Wildfire will remember its rich ambiance, which puts a modern spin on the 1940s dinner club.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and takes the place of breakfast that morning. Tickets are $55 per person. Members who are billed quarterly for meals in advance will receive a credit of $19, reducing their dinner cost to $36. Please reply to Huong Van’s e-vite or directly to her by June 16.

High Jumper:   Few Rotary clubs can boast a world champion among their ranks, but we’re fortunate to have one at Tysons Corner.        

Our own Bruce McBarnette is a world-class athlete and record holder who won two major championships in the month of March alone.

Bruce won the gold medal at the USA Masters Track and Field Championships in Boston on March 15, competing in the high jump for men 55-59. Bruce jumped 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) and also took second in the triple jump the next day at 36 feet (10.94 meters).

Only two weeks later, at the World Masters Track and Field Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Bruce again took gold in the high jump. Bruce, who is the current world record holder for his age group in this event, jumped 5 feet 8 inches (1.74 meters) on March 29 for his 11th win in a World Masters Championship.

Bruce beat out 26 competitors in a grueling three-hour competition at Syma Stadium in Budapest to take the world crown. “I felt honored to represent the United States,” said Bruce, who started high jumping as a college freshman and never stopped.

Bruce already has his sights set on the national championships in Winston-Salem, N.C., this July, and the next world championships in Lyon, France, in August 2015.

Congratulations, Bruce! (Below: Bruce after taking the gold in Budapest.)

           

Just in time before we have to file our tax returns. . . . . Greg Meacham, highly recommended by Ross Anderson, is going to talk about Forensic Accounting. 

Mr. Meacham has over thirty years of investigative experience first as a Police Detective and then for twenty five years as an FBI Agent. He is both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). After retiring from the FBI, Mr. Meacham took a position as Vice President for Homeland Security for Nextel Communications. Mr. Meacham now provides investigative and consulting services for MDB International on a wide range of complex white-collar crime and financial fraud investigations.

Mr. Meacham retired from the FBI as Chief of the Technical Programs Section where as a Senior Executive Service employee he managed and executed an annual budget of over $100 million to support the technical programs of the FBI including technical training, wireless communications networks, technical security countermeasures, and intrusion detection systems.

Mr. Meacham earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Management Certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He maintains membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Forensic CPA Society, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and ASIS International.

We've invited El-Shafei Dafalla Mohamed, a local artist and human rights activist, to come speak on Thursday about his experiences in the Sudan, about his refugee adventure, and how he's rebuilt his life, personally and artistically, in the US.  He'll share his perspective on the Sudan, and the hope for its recovery from war.

Elshafei has participated in more than fifty exhibits worldwide, and his work is part of public and private collections in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. He continues to lecture and to exhibit his work, holding artist residencies, participating in community building activities, and creating performative installation events around the U.S. and internationally.

Rotary Leaders:  RCTC Past Presidents Suzanne McDougall (left) and Ingrid Parris-Hicklin (right) had an opportunity to meet Rotary International Past President D.K. Lee (2008-09) at a reception in his honor March 12 at the Woo Lae Oak Korean Restaurant at Tysons Corner.  Mr. Lee now chairs The Rotary Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  The gathering of local Rotarians was orchestrated by Virginia Delegate Mark Keam, a member of the Rotary Club of Vienna. The governor of District 7620 attended along with Rotarians from the Vienna, Bailey's Crossroads, Dunn Loring, McLean, and Tysons Corner clubs.

Members of the Rotaract Club of Northern Virginia pitched in at Carpenter's Shelter in Alexandria on March 8 and made a big difference. Led by Yani Arica and Lauren Rose, their major project was cleaning out and reorganizing the toiletries closet - which took a lot of work! Carpenter's Shelter, located on North Henry St. in Alexandria, is Northern Virginia's largest homeless shelter, serving more than 1,000 homeless and formerly homeless adults and children every year.  RCTC Youth Service Chair Suzanne McDougall, who serves as our Club's liaison and adviser to the Rotaract Club, was also there to help. 

Enjoy fine wines, meet some of the country's top wine experts, savor gourmet food, and dance the night away at our Spring Wine Gala on April 5!

"Rotary on the Vine" will take place at the Gannett Building in Tysons Corner from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is one of the area's most striking venues and serves as the perfect backdrop for a panoply of wines from around the world. Even if you're not sampling, you'll enjoy the lavish selection of gourmet food and the big-band sounds of the Loudoun Jazz Ensemble. You'll have a chance to meet and learn from these experts:

• Craig Hedstrom – Colene Clemens Vineyards,Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Ted Plemons – Owner, Cass Winery, Paso Robles, California
• Steve Monsoon – Winemaker, Early Mountain Vineyards, Madison, Virginia
• Barbara Frank – Consulting Winemaker & Grand Daughter to Founder Konstantin Frank, Finger Lakes, New York
• Jon Bruno – PortoVino Imports, New York and Italy
• Louis Cinelli – Vineyard of McLean, McLean, Virginia

In addition, we'll be raffling a one-week vacation at a gorgeous villa in Spain. This could be your lucky night!

Admission tickets are $75 each and sponsorships are available from $175 to $2,500. Proceeds will support the charitable projects and scholarship programs of the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased through the "Rotary on the Vine" website. 

Visit www.RotaryOnTheVine.org for all the details. Get your tickets today!

Joyful Noise:  James Maloney (left) and Tony Rounds (right) take a turn at the Salvation Army kettle outside Macy’s at Tysons Galleria on Dec. 14.  The veteran bell ringers were among many Tysons Corner Rotarians who volunteered for one-hour shifts on a brisk day.  Many thanks to everyone who participated in this great Club tradition!   

Our Newest:  Fairfax County Fire Captain Will Bailey (center) became the newest Tysons Corner Rotarian on Nov. 7 when he was inducted by President Tim Long. Sponsor Ingrid Parris-Hicklin looks on at right.  The Firefighters’ Coat Drive organized by Will distributed 2,400 children’s coats (most made in the U.S.A.) on Oct. 30.  Congratulations and welcome, Will!

 

The Fairview Park Marriott was transformed into a casino, big-band ballroom, and auction house on Nov. 8 for the 16th Annual Monte Carlo Night.  The evening featured a tempting buffet, dancing to the Loudoun Jazz Ensemble, silent and live auctions, and casino table games.  Above, Ronnie Chantker (center) tries her luck.  Thank you to event chair Burt Heacock and the many volunteers who made Monte Carlo Night a success!   

Warm Coats, Warm Kids: The Fairfax County Firefighters’ Annual Coat Drive on Oct. 30 distributed hundreds of coats to area children, including these happy kids in Alexandria. Volunteers from our Club included Laurie Kent (who took this photo), Burt Heacock, and Michael San Juan. Our Rotary Club of Tysons Corner Foundation donated $800 to help buy coats.

Help for Zambia: The Walk for Water at Burke Lake Park on Sept. 29 received major support from RBC Wealth Management.  At left, Becky Parker of RBC presents Club President Tim Long with a $500 check to fund water projects in Zambia.  She was joined by RBC colleagues Laurie Kent (our Tysons Corner Rotarian) and Beth Rafferty, with daughter Katherine.  The District 7610 Strategic Water Alliance, a group of area Rotary clubs co-chaired by President Tim Long, sponsored the walk.  The Alliance already has been responsible for drilling more than a dozen wells and constructing latrine facilities in the copper belt region of Zambia.

The Rotary Club of Tysons Corner gave members, other Rotarians, and visitors a chance to meet Virginia's two candidates for governor in July.  Our breakfast meeting on July 11 featured Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli, attorney general of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe, former head of the Democratic National Committee, spoke at our July 25 meeting. Each candidate discussed why he wanted to be governor and answered an array of questions from the audience.

It's Official:  The new Rotaract Club of Northern Virginia was formally chartered on April 27 at a regional conference of three Rotary International districts held in Arlington, Va. Rotaract clubs are geared for college-age and young adults who would like to participate in Rotary-style "Service Above Self." The Northern Virginia Rotaract Club has been supported throughout its formative stage by the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner. The chartering ceremony took place during "DISCON, 2013," an annual conference for Rotary districts 7610, 7620, and 7630, which featured activities for Rotaract members from all three districts. (Northern Virginia is part of District 7610). Pictured from left to right: P.J. Maddox (Vice President and District 7610 New Generations Chair); Lauren Rose (President, NOVA Rotaract); Yani Arica (Vice President); Carlisha Jennings (Secretary); and Suzanne McDougall (New Generations Chair, Rotary Club of Tysons Corner). ("New Generations" is the area of Rotary service that reaches out to young adults.)

The Rotary Club of Tysons Corner is excited to announce the exciting lineup of renowned wine professional scheduled to present at this year's wine tasting, Rotary on the Vine. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets now!

Join 250 fellow wine enthusiasts on May 4, 2013 for exclusive wine presentations from four outstanding wine professionals and tastings featuring over 20 wines. Enjoy live music from The Loudoun Jazz Ensemble while sipping wine and taking in the ambiance of the glamorous headquarters of USA Today.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear from international and local wine experts, including...

Jeff Cohn, Founder and President of JC Cellars. JC Cellars is a premier California winery, located across the bay from San Francisco. Check out Wine Spectator's recent article on Jeff Cohn and his famous Zinfandel.

Allan Delmare, Marketing Director of Rappahannock Cellars. Rappahannock Cellars is a Huntly, VA based vineyard with a long list of award winning wines. Recent medal winning wines include the vineyard's 2011 Rosé (Gold, 2012 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition) and the vineyard's 2010 Noblesse Rouge (Gold, 2012 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition).

Dr. Theo Mellion, Co-Owner of Roche Mere Selections. Theo is a member of several American and French-based wine education associations as well as personal friends with many of France's wine elite, American importers, retailers, restaurateurs and private club members.

Barry Waitte, Owner of Tamber Bey Vineyards. Tamber Bey is a privately-owned and operated winery that produces 100% estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay wines. Starting as a grower only, Barry began making wine under the Tamber Bey name in 2001.

Warm Welcome:  New members got a chance to learn more about Rotary International and the Tysons Corner Rotary Club from veteran members during a "Fireside Chat" at the home of Tony Rounds on Jan. 22.  President Mary Edwards was literally "fireside" as she led the informal session for the six new members who have joined the Club since October.  At the end of the evening, the group gathered at the hearth for a photo, taken by Tony's wife, "Toni Girl."

Toy Time:  Captain Willie Bailey (left) gladly accepts the “Big Check” for $900 from Club President Mary Edwards and RCTC Foundation Chair Ingrid Parris-Hicklin.  The donation will support the Christmas Toy Drive of the Fairfax County firefighters slated for 9 a.m. on Dec. 18 at the Penn Daw Fire Station in Alexandria.

Keeping Kids Warm:  Capt. Willie Bailey (center) of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Dept. receives an $800 donation from the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner Foundation on Oct. 4 to support the firefighters’ winter coat drive for needy kids on Oct. 24.  Presenting the “Big Check” are Club President Mary Edwards (left) and Foundation President Ingrid Parris-Hicklin (right).  The RCTC Foundation also provides annual support for the firefighters' backpack drive in August and toy drive in December.  Tysons Corner Rotarians volunteer at all three events. 

They’re Off:  Fritz and Suzanne McDougall head out on the 5K Walk for Water at Lake Fairfax Park on Sept. 30, with Tony Rounds and Moe Levy in close pursuit.  The event benefited the District 7610 Strategic Water Alliance, which provides funds for drilling wells and constructing latrines in Zambia.  Tysons Corner had the highest number of walkers among the eight clubs in the Water Alliance.  Tysons Corner Rotarian Tim Long is a co-chair of the Alliance, and organized the Walk for Water.  Volunteers from the new Rotaract Club of Northern Virginia served as course guides.  The local Walk for Water was part of a Rotary International effort to conduct walks around the world to benefit water projects.

Registration is still open for the Walk for Water! The walk will take place at Lake Fairfax starting at 8am on September 30th. Click here to register.

Backpackers in Action:  Rotarians pitched in Aug. 30 to help Fairfax County firefighters fill backpacks with school supplies for needy kids.  McLean Rotarian Vance Zavela (far left) is pictured with Tysons Corner members David Danner, Glenn Rounsevell, Tony Rounds, Ingrid Parris-Hicklin, and Burt Heacock. The annual Backpack Drive, held at a fire station in Alexandria, is conducted by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Dept. with the help of many community volunteers.

Next Step for Mai:  RCTC Foundation Chair Ingrid Parris-Hicklin (center) tells Mai Abdel-Ghani (right) on July 26 that her goal of attending medical school just got one step closer with a $500 check from the Foundation for her MCAT prep course.  President Mary Edwards looks on at left.  Mai just returned from the American Society of Bone Mineral Research conference in Kansas City, where she had the opportunity to present her research findings and to meet with high-profile researchers.  Mai received the Young Investigator Award at this conference for her research work.

Taking the Helm:  After months of training and preparation, Mary Edwards (left) was installed as President of the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner on June 21 and immediately received a standing ovation from her fellow Rotarians.  District Governor Jon Allan, joined by District Governor Elect Steve Cook, administered the oath of office to Mary during the Club's installation dinner at the Tower Club.  Mary took the podium from outgoing President Ingrid Parris-Hicklin and presented her with a plaque to thank Ingrid for her service to the Club.  President Mary urged members to work together for a successful year.  She will serve during Rotary Year 2012-13, which runs from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013.  As the youngest president in the Club’s history, Mary takes the helm as Rotary focuses on attracting younger members.  President Mary has been instrumental in helping launch the new Rotaract Club of Northern Virginia for young professionals. 

Thanks, Tysons Corner:  President Ingrid Parris-Hicklin (center) and Immediate Past President Ronnie Chantker (right) display thank-you gifts they received from Tenzin Norzom (left) of the Tibetan Children’s Village Schools at our June 7 meeting.  Tenzin gave each of them prayer flags and a “kata,” or scarf – a symbolic gift of thanks – in recognition of the Club’s donations of books and money to the TCV schools.  Tenzin and her father, Phuntsok Tsering, were the guests of Katherine Barnett, who had visited the schools in India.  They were joined by the morning’s speaker, TCV teacher David Quegg.

She’s Official:  The Club’s newest member, Tyra Garlington, receives her official RCTC baseball cap on May 24 from Todd Meloy, erstwhile keeper of the caps.  Tyra, President Ingrid Parris-Hicklin, and Ed Beck recently returned from the RI Convention in Bangkok and will recount their experiences in Thailand at our June 14 meeting.

Rotary Club of Tysons Corner
2012 Spring Wine Tasting
Benefiting Local Charities

Saturday, April 21, 2012
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
at
Gannett Building
7950 Jones Branch Dr.,
Tysons Corner, VA 22107-0150

Wine donated by:

The Vineyard

1445 Laughlin Ave., McLean, VA

Wines sampled will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $65

Tickets will be available at the door.

Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres – Music – Door Prizes

Young Professionals between the ages of 18 and 30 have a new opportunity to contribute to the Fairfax County community, develop leadership skills, and make lasting professional connections.

2012 is a leap year with 366 days instead of 365 days. What better way to use that extra day than with Rotarians? Please join the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner for a fellowship happy hour on Tuesday, February 28th. Evo Bistro in Mclean, VA will host the happy hour from 6pm - 9pm.

Pass the invitation along to others as 25 percent of all orders taken at the bar will go back to our club!

www.evobistro.com

The 14th annual Monte Carlo Night at the Fairview Park Marriott on Nov. 4 lived up to expectations as the premier Rotary event of the fall season.

Bounty of Backpacks:  David Danner (left) and Burt Heacock (right) have their hands full at the Fall Backpack Drive sponsored by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Dept. on Sept. 1 in Alexandria.  Many Tysons Corner Rotarians pitched in to help stuff 2,000 backpacks with school supplies, which then were distributed to schools and community groups for the benefit of needy children.  The RCTC Foundation provided financial support as well.    

   

Willis L. Fairbanks, a Marine Corps officer in World War II who went on to serve at the highest levels of NATO and later served as Charter President of the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner, died Aug. 14 after a short illness.  He was 95 years old.

Will devoted 26 years to his country as a U.S. Marine, including two and a half years in the Pacific during World War II.  During the Korean War he was stationed in Tokyo on the staff of the Commander of Naval Forces–Far East, and then on the flagship of the Commander of Amphibious Forces–Far East.  From 1960 to 1963 Will served as Deputy of Infrastructure for NATO in Paris.  He retired as a colonel in 1966. 

Tributes to Will by his Rotary friends Rick Kaplar (Tysons Corner) and Bob Rosenbaum (McLean) can be viewed by clicking on the blue menu bar in the left column, "Tributes to Charter President Will Fairbanks."  

A Touch of Hope:  High school student Priya Krishnan (center) described her efforts to distribute iTouch devices to autistic children at our July 21 meeting.  At left, she is flanked by Ann Gibbons (left), executive director of the Autism Speaks foundation, and PDG Bishnu Poudel (right).  Ms. Gibbons helped Priya identify needy recipients in Virginia.  At far left and right are Priya’s father and mother.

 

Senior Moment:  Edward J. Shahin (right) accepts a $500 check for the Lewinsville Senior Center from the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner Foundation.  Making the presentation on May 12 are Club President and Foundation Chair Ronnie Chantker (left) and Foundation Treasurer David Danner. 

 

McMeal Man: Bob Hahne is a man on a mission: to prepare 150,000 meals on a single day in June.
    The McLean Rotarian is mobilizing local Rotary clubs (including Tysons Corner) and McLean community groups to take part in a marathon meal-packing exercise on June 11 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in McLean.  Volunteers at Bob's first event there in November packed 100,000 meals.
    Bob, who spoke at our March 24 meeting, is working with Stop Hunger Now, a nonprofit international hunger-relief organization.  He is looking for financial support plus volunteer help.
    The next meeting of Bob's planning committee will take place April 4 at 7 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Road in McLean.  All are welcome.

Warning Signs:   Author and consultant John Mumford raises red flags about where the economy and the country are headed at our Feb. 17 meeting.  America is facing three challenges of tsunami magnitude, he said: (1) huge budget deficits at all levels of government, (2) the baby boomer retirement bubble, and (3) a deficit in leadership.
    Mumford is the author of Broke: What Every American Business Must Do To Restore Our Financial Stability and Protect Our Future.
   

Gifted Guest:   President Denise Dixon-Basil (left) accepts one of several handcrafted gifts from Peruvian visitor Ximena Cedamanos at our Jan. 20 meeting.  Ximena also brought a banner from her Rotaract Club of Los Olivos in Lima, Peru.

At his classification talk on Jan. 6, website and graphic designer Campbell Maloney displays the letters "e" and "x," part of a stylized alphabet he designed to create name plaques and wall decorations.  Son of member James Maloney, Campbell is president of blueunderground llc, a firm specializing in graphic design, logo, and website services.  The Maloneys are the first father-son Rotarian duo to belong to the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner.

Polio Plus Pilgrimage:   President Denise Dixon-Basil (left) accepts a Polio Plus certificate from traveling Rotarian Colleen Bonadonna at our Dec. 2 meeting.  Colleen has an ambitious goal: visiting 200 Rotary Clubs in 200 days to raise funds for the $200 Million Polio Plus Challenge.  Colleen, a West Point (Va.) Rotarian, visited Tysons Corner on Dec. 2 and spoke about eradicating polio once and for all.

As a young Air Force fighter pilot, Craig Duehring found the excitement he craved in 1970 when he joined an elite strike team known as the Ravens.  Based in Laos and swathed in secrecy, the classified operation would pair an American pilot with a South Vietnamese translator, sending them on missions deep into the Laotian jungles.  No Raven pilot who was shot down ever made it out alive.
    Col. Duehring missed his first call-up to the Ravens because the radio message never reached him.  He later found out that the pilot who had filled his spot was killed shortly thereafter.  Col. Duehring shared these and other chilling vignettes from an earlier war at our Oct. 28 meeting.  During his career, he went on to log more than 4,400 flying hours, including 1,525 combat hours and more than 800 combat sorties.  

Hope Through Education: The Rev. Stephen Shafran, SDB, president of Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Takoma Park, Md., described the school's unique work-study program for inner-city kids at our Oct. 21 meeting.  The school works with area companies to create positions that are shared by teams of students.  The companies then pay the school.  The Catholic school, part of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., will graduate its first class of college-bound seniors in 2011.  Marty Shields arranged Fr. Steve's appearance. 

The Rotary Clubs of Northern Virginia invite you to be a part of the 13th annual Monte Carlo Night. Monte Carlo Night is recognized in Northern Virginia as the signature event of the fall social season. The 2010 Monte Carlo Night will be held on Friday, November 5th at the stylish Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, VA. The black tie optional event will include music from The Dominion Jazz Orchestra, dancing with The Fred Astaire Dancing Studio, in addition to fantastic food and drinks. Funds from Monte Carlo Night will benefit the educational and civic programs supported by the Rotary Clubs of Northern Virginia. A portion of the proceeds will also support Rotary International's program to eliminate Polio worldwide.

Rotarian Backpackers:   The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, with a little help from its Tysons Corner Rotary friends, has completed two major projects to help needy kids and wounded military personnel.  On Sept. 2, the department conducted its annual School Backpack Drive at Penn Daw Fire Station 11 in Alexandria, where firefighters and other community volunteers (including several RCTC members at left) stuffed more than 1,000 backpacks with school supplies.  The RCTC Foundation also made a donation of $800.

A Fond Farewell:  In a heartfelt farewell address to his Tysons Corner friends on Aug. 5, German Air Force General Gero L.K. Schachthoefer reflected on his last three years in the United States and told of his emotional encounter with a group of Holocaust survivors in 2009.  Brigadier General Schachthoefer began by acknowledging the many friendships he and his wife, Magrit, have forged with Tysons Corner Rotarians.  "We will treasure you in our hearts for the rest of our lives," he pledged.

Happy To Help:   Club President Denise Dixon-Basil (left) and RCTC Foundation Treasurer David Danner (right) share a light moment with Fire Captain Willie Bailey on Aug. 19 after presenting him with a check for $800 to help support the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's school backpack drive.  Volunteers from Tysons Corner Rotary will help stuff more than 1,000 backpacks with school supplies on Sept. 2.

Rotarian Burt Heacock (second from left) helped celebrate the good works of the Alternative House teen shelter at a June 11 reception for donors.  Chef Geoff's in Tysons Corner donated the space, food, and beverages.  Tysons Corner Rotary is a long-time supporter of Alternative House, and Burt serves on its board of directors.
    From left: Jerson de Jesus Alvarez, Burt Heacock, Mary Gergely, Roger Oropeza, Melissa Fernlund (board member), and Maria Kalsoom.  The plaque lists members of the AH Giving Circles for the past year, and will be displayed in the Emergency Shelter for Teens.

Tysons Corner Rotarians got a look at the future of Rotary International (RI) on July 15 as District Governor George "Ron" Marion visited the Club and spoke about changes in store for the 105-year-old international service organization.
    He said the venerable Four Avenues of Service have been joined by a fifth: New Generations.  This reflects a major effort by RI to recruit younger members and to lower the median age of Rotarians.

As Christoph Roessler completed his 13-year active-duty career in the German Air Force at the end of June, he was recognized by Germany's Secretary of Defense for his distinguished service.  Christoph was awarded the prestigious Silver Cross of Honor (Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Silber).  This decoration is one of the highly esteemed Badges of Honor of the German Armed Forces.  The Silver Cross recognizes "exemplary and meritorious service over 10 years" and "exemplary achievements."

College Bound:   President Denise Dixon-Basil (far left) congratulates four recent graduates of George Marshall High School who have been awarded college scholarships from the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner Foundation.  The $1,000 awards are renewable annually for four years.
    From left: Mai Abdel-Ghani, Sunami Mody, Daniel Bui, and Surafal Negere.  Their families are from Egypt, India, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, respectively.   Foundation Board member Katherine Barnett coordinated the scholarship award process.  

With her family and fellow Rotarians looking on, Denise Dixon-Basil became the 28th president of the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner as she was installed by District Governor Horace McCormack on June 17. DG Horace then swore in Denise's team of officers and directors who will lead the Club from July 1 until June 30, 2011. The ceremony took place at Clyde's of Tysons Corner. Denise thanked outgoing president Ronnie Chantker, and promised to build on Ronnie's ambitious slate of projects.

One of our club's largest annual fundraisers, Monte Carlo Night, will take place on Friday, November 5th. It will be held at the recently renovated Fairview Park Marriott located in Falls Church, VA. Proceeds from Monte Carlo Night benefit Educational and Civic Programs in the area as well as Rotary International's Program to eliminate Polio worldwide.

At this morning's Club Assembly, members received a guided tour of the Club's new website from Club Service Director Mary Edwards. Members saw how easy it is to check future speakers, connect with the District website, contact each other, and much more! And they learned how to update their personal profiles in the secure "members only" directory. It's "Tysons Corner Rotary on the Web"!

It will be a real sentimental journey for Maggie Legum. Maggie (front right) was the grand-prize winner of the raffle at the Club's April 24 Wine Tasting Gala, entitling her to one week at the Spanish villa of Glenn and Ann Rounsevell.

President Ronnie Chantker (left) and Past President Brian Mansir (right) proudly display new banner proclaiming Tysons Corner a "100 Percent Paul Harris Fellow Club" in 2009-10.

Fine wines, delicious food, and a lively crowd made for a grand time at the Spring Wine Tasting Gala on April 24. The beautiful home of Will and Susan Soza provided the perfect backdrop as Rotarians and guests flocked to the various wine stations and the lavish buffet table (pictured)

Rep. Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, a Democrat representing a large portion of Northern Virginia, was the subject of a lengthy article in the online AOL News by senior Washington correspondent Amelia Stone following his presentation to the Club on April 1.

A champagne bar will be one of the new features at the Spring Wine Tasting Gala on April 24, according to event chair Ingrid Parris-Hicklin. This is the first time that the bubbly will flow at this event.

A local inventor is using his talents in a way that could change the future of wind-turbine technology. Eric Lundberg, who addressed the Club on March 18, described the calibration system he has pioneered to improve the performance of turbine blades.

Chris Mullings is much more than a banker, as members learned March 11 during Chris's classification talk. Born in Jamaica, Chris lived in New York City and was a college soccer player before making his way to Northern Virginia.

Past District Governor Bishnu Poudel (left) shares a Rotary moment at the March 11 meeting with Dr. William V. Schipper (right). Bill was inducted into our Club on March 4 with Bish as his sponsor. Bill and Bish were colleagues at Stratford University prior to Bill's establishment of the American College of Commerce and Technology in Falls Church last November.

They operated without sleep for the first 48 hours, but by the time they left Port-au-Prince two weeks later, members of the Fairfax County Urban Search & Rescue Team had saved the lives of 16 persons trapped in the rubble.

Helping others is what drives new member Mark Weischedel - both in his vocation and his avocation. In his classification talk on Feb. 25, Mark described his work as senior vice president for information technology at the American Red Cross.

Dick Strean (center) became the Club's newest member â€" and one of its oldest (from the previous century, in fact) â€" in February. After an absence of about 15 years, Dick was able to rejoin the Club and was inducted on Feb. 18. Gladly welcoming him back are President Ronnie Chantker (left) and his sponsor, Past President David Danner (right).

Get ready for the Club's third annual Spring Wine Tasting Gala at the home of Will and Susan Soza on Saturday, April 24. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and feature wines from around the world, courtesy of The Vineyard wine shop in McLean....

Fire Chief Ronald L. Mastin (right) of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department presented a plaque of appreciation to President Ronnie Chantker (left) at our Feb. 4 meeting, recognizing the Club's support of the department's backpack, winter coat, and toy drives for area children. Duane Dodwell (not pictured) has spearheaded Tysons Corner Rotary's involvement.

If you've grown accustomed to a tasty breakfast and interesting speaker every Thursday at Rotary, you can thank Mary Smeltzer Edwards. As Club Service Director, Mary is responsible for the smooth functioning of the Club...

The U.S. Africa Command, only 16 months old, faces a daunting task as it strives to foster stability and security by projecting the U.S. military's presence throughout the African continent. That was the message of Brig. Gen. Stayce D. Harris of the U.S. Air Force, who addressed the Club on Feb. 18.

The Rotary Club of Tysons Corner and the RCTC Foundation have responded quickly to support disaster relief efforts in Haiti following the massive earthquake that shook Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. Thanks to a timely financial contribution of just over $5,000, three "shelter boxes" and five "aqua boxes" should already be on their way to the ravaged island.

The Tysons Corner Rotary website has a new look, thanks to ClubRunner. This format will allow us to manage our activities and communicate more effectively....