Monday 24 October 2011

Meeting of October 18, 2011

   President Joan Peggs opened the meeting with a tribute to one of Nova Scotia’s best loved poets. Maxine Tynes died in Halifax on 12 September, 2011 at age 62. As a highly regarded poet, she wrote celebrating her life as a black woman and as a survivor of polio, often exploring social issues such as gender discrimination, racism and prostitution. Her publication, “Borrowed Beauty” received the Milton Acorn People’s Poetry Award and she was a frequent guest on both radio and television. She was also an effective teacher and a writer of textbooks who was adored and respected by her students.
   The national anthem was sung by the assembled with leadership from Jack Petrie and Tom Croft. Brian Lamb delivered grace.
   Visiting Rotarians and guests were introduced by John Snively. Visiting Rotarians included John Heraghty, Harbourside, Mary Laing, Vancouver Downtown, and our old friend, Tom Croft. Our guest speaker, Enio Sacilotto (below) was also welcomed.

   Fines Master, Wynn Taylor extracted large sums of money by identifying those of our members who enjoy the odd glass of wine. We discovered that both Jack Petrie and Tom Croft have extravagant tastes and can afford French Reds. Wynn was able to tell us about wines costing between $1,000 and $2,800 (Hmmm – what do you do in your spare time, Wynn?). Leslie Rogers-Warnock and Rod Sim contributed happy/sad dollars and Lori McLeod had her (29th) birthday (again). Pablo Dimecke and Hans Ockermueller were recognized for their 10th and 9th club membership anniversaries.
   Mary Canty reported on Foster Isherwood’s health and Joan read a letter from Foster, thanking the club for giving him Honorary status.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
   Jim Force reported on the great success of the Rwanda Today forum and President Joan asked all volunteers to stand and be recognized.
   Joan Peggs and Joan Firkins talked about World Polio Day and outlined the great incentives for those who contribute online next week. Please contribute with gusto! Heather Aked promoted next Tuesday’s Rotary on the Avenue event and asked volunteers to attend on the six tables that will be situated at various locations. She also promoted the Oak Bay Merrython Run/Walk event to be held on 1st December. Our club is co-ordinating the event under the capable leadership of Leslie Rogers-Warnock and Heather Aked.
   As Assistant-Governor, Tav Macpherson noted that his three-year term was drawing to an end and invited those interested and qualified to enter the selection process for this challenging but fun role.
   Bill Burns promoted flu shots and Mary Canty promoted the quilt raffle for the Guatemala project.
  Mary Laing, President Elect of the Vancouver Downtown Club, gave an interesting outline of the Centennial Celebrations to be held in April, 2013. All clubs in the west are invited to join in the festivities.  
   Finally, President Joan asked for volunteers to help with the Oak Bay pumpkin display.

GUEST SPEAKER
   Our guest speaker, introduced by John Snively, was Enio Sacilotto, Assistant Coach for the Victoria Royals WHL franchise. After a degree in Phys. Ed., Enio took his Masters and then proceeded to coach hockey. Starting in Italy, he had many coaching positions in Europe, including England, Norway, Switzerland and Croatia. He has enjoyed the various cultural differences but is glad to be back on Canada’s West Coast as his family is in Vancouver.
   Enio outlined some of the joys of coaching. He indicated that a coach is always under the scrutiny of the media, the fans, and the public, all of whom know better what the coach should or should not have done! A coach is reliant on the players’ performance and is frequently judged on short term results - winning is essential to survival. A good coach must multi-task in different areas to be effective. They must be effective in such diverse areas as psychology, administration, and public relations, and as well they must have an in-depth knowledge of hockey rules, tactics and skills. The coach must also see each player as unique, both on and off the ice, winning their confidence and yet applying discipline and developing skills sets.
   Enio gave us an interesting summary of the WHL and its value system. As a developmental league for young players, the league insists that players continue their education and perform community services. The goal is to help players reach the NHL. Almost 20% of the NHL’s players have graduated from the WHL. Enio finished by talking about some of the outstanding young men who are either past or present players under his care. After question period, during which Enio voiced opposition to the amount of fighting in hockey, Jack Petrie thanked Enio and presented him with a coffee mug suggesting that he could propel it at the next reporter who questioned his coaching ability.

An interesting and humorous talk. Thanks Enio and good coaching!

The meeting was adjourned at 1:37 p.m. with the singing of “God Save the Queen”.

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