February 19 Meeting report

Bulletin report by  Neil Rawnsley. Photos by Neil Rawnsley and David Sills

We were warmly greeted by Lori McLeod and Phil Neroutsos. Lynne Murray took our lunch money and Ted Chambers solicited for the draw.

President Joan welcomed all to the meeting and highlighted the work of the Rotary Action Group For Peace, an action-driven group of Rotarians, Rotarians’ family members and Rotaractors working together for the purpose of advancing world peace. As a resource to Rotary clubs and districts the Rotarian Action Group For Peace will engage in projects by supporting the peace work of the more than 34,000 clubs worldwide.

O Canada was followed by Grace by Lori McLeod.

Phil Neroutsos introduced our vistors: Kate Clarke, a guest of Jack Petrie, Sabrina Corraini who will be inducted as our newest member next week, and our guest speaker Tricia Stringfellow (pictured at right).

Annoucements:

Heather Aked reminded us that the February 26th meeting will be at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel with the guest speaker from BC Guide Dogs. A puppy will be present. 

Anne Sims promoted the Tuscan dinner coming up April 27^th. Auction items are requested and you are expected to provide a bottle of “Italian” wine. If you are selection challenged, just give Anne $20 and the committee will make the selection.

Jim Force promoted the upcoming Fireside (not to be confused with the club Fireside) of the Literacy Roundtable March 5^th at Berwick House in Royal Oak.  It will be a Book Recycling Kickoff and a presentation on Aboriginal Literacy, a program of the Royal Oak Club. He also suggested it was an opportunity for those of us in advanced years to consider our housing options.

Sergeant at Arms:

Jack Petrie provided a moment of levity with a joke about a duck, post office and appropriately CORN then stumped all with a quiz as to which country is the 6^th largest exporter of electronics in the world – Mexico, and largest producer of coconuts – Phillipines.

Happy birthday to Wynn Taylor and congratulations to Eugen Bannerman on his two years with the club.

Happy bucks included birthday salutations for parents of Vicky Pitt (88) (pictured above with David Sills) and Dallas Chapple (95). Peter Lawrie returned from PETS with the encouraging news that Polio is “that close” to being eradicated.

Ron Cooley won the draw but not the white marble.

Guest Speaker:  Introduced by Mary Canty.

Guest Speaker, Tricia Stringfellow, centre, with President Joan Peggs, left, and  Vicky Pitt, right, who thanked the speaker.

Tricia Stringfellow is a military wife with two grown children and has been with the Oak Bay News for 2 years.  With a background in marketing from BCIT, Tricia has an extensive and interesting resume which includes administrative positions with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Tourism for the city of Edmonton and marketing and fundraising in BC for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. After relocating to Victoria, Tricia is now employed by Black Press, a major firm publishing community newspapers and a handful of daily newspapers in Canada and the US.  As the sales representative for the Oak Bay News, Tricia works with small businesses providing advertising and marketing support with the assistance of a creative department. Tricia informed us of the numerous feature supplements and publications which are part of the community newspapers of Black Press. They produce the Oak Bay Recreation Guide, the newly started “Tweed” magazine devoted entirely to Oak Bay content, the “Best in the City” supplement along with supplements for Women in Business,  Homes, etc. Whatever the message, she works with the creative department to meet the needs of the advertiser. With over 1,200 carriers and a circulation of approximately 57,000 households in the Greater Victoria area, it is a large operation.

As a community newspaper they are receptive to receiving story ideas, and Tricia, with an extensive network of community contacts, can work with groups on events to ensure success.

Vicky Pitt thanked the speaker for a wonderful and informative talk which encompassed volunteering and connecting businesses in the community.

The meeting closed with the singing of God Save the Queen.

Who's the handsome looking fellow below?