Rotary Meeting of September 24, 2013 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Report and photo by Tom Croft

The Meeting started right on time at 12:15 with President Peter Lawrie at the helm. Peter reminded us that it is Youth Services Month; Sabrina is the Director, Jim Force the contact for Rotaract and Tom Croft for Interact.  There are lots of opportunities to get involved with these committees.  Contact any of these members to offer your support to these Rotary connections.

O Canada was sung a capella, as the piano player was absent. Do we have any other players in the club that could do the National Anthem and God Save the Queen?  Please let the executive know if you would like to volunteer your talent.

Grace was provided by Will Carter

Announcements: 

We have new flags and standards for our Canada Flag Project; Peter has an applause sign and will be using it in future meetings.

Visiting Rotarians and guests: Introduced by Sabrina

Rotarian: Greg Read, Stratford Ont., Guests: Sandy Currey, Richard Acomba, Mark Mawhinney, Janna, Malo, and our Guest Speakers: Amy Phipps and Mary Emmond

Health of the Club:  Mary Canty reported that Anne-Marie Bamji is in hospital and Perry is with her.

John Edgell advised the Club that Alice Poole, wife of former member, Werke Poole, died on the weekend.  A donation in the Poole’s name to Rotary in memory of the Poole’s was requested in the obituary.

Coming Events:  Jim Force:

5:00 PM at the Penny Farthing this Thursday — Club in a Pub

10:00AM Saturday — The Great Canadian Beach Clean Up with the Community Association of Oak Bay at McNeil Bay.

Meeting on Oct 1— bring in your refundable bottles, cans, etc. for the Rotaract Club

Oct 5 — we will serve lunch at Our Place, with the Rotaract Club Members.

Wynne Taylor announced that on Friday, September 2, there will be a Fall Festival at Henderson Rec Centre, from 6-8PM, and on Saturday the 28th from 12-4, there's the Bowker Creek Community Celebration — please provide your volunteer time.

Janna Malo told of All Fired Up and the Super Bowls of Hope Society: you paint a bowl and the bowl is donated to the Super Bowl fund; see Janna for details or visit the Facebook Page.

Welcome to John Snively from the Kootenay’s

Fines Master: Jessica cleaned us out!  Tom for starting the wrong song, God Save the Queen before O Canada, no Rotary Pins, no Name Tags, for thinking about two things, for a Rotary magazine not read, and for not walking barefoot during the summer — all for $1:00, And if you didn't floss everyday, $2 each!

Happy/Sad Dollars: Tom Croft $5 for 41^st anniversary, Ron Beyer $30 for 30 year anniversary plus $2 for missing (stolen) Canadian Flag; Anne Sims' partner is at sea, and Wendy is off to Las Vegas

Draw:  Tom C. wins $15 put no White marble, $135 next week — two marbles left!

Guest Speakers:

Brian Lamb thanks speakers Mary and Amy from the Garth Homer Society

Wolf introduced the speakers: Amy and Mary, from the Garth Homer Society.  Amy is the Employment Specialist with the Society and was a Rotary Exchange Student sponsored by the Harbourside Club, and a Past President of our Rotaract Club.

Garth Homer is a non-profit society, founded in 1977; Amy reviewed the history, program areas, and day time services provided for over 175 adults with developmental disabilities.

Art programs have raised $55,000 towards a goal of $100,000 for children with development disabilities in Kenya.

Sheltered workshops used to be the rage, but today the centre provides employment services.  There are over 70 clients funded through Community Living BC.  The goal is regular independent employment—adults are placed throughout the service field.

Amy let us know that it's OK to use the word "disability".  The centre serves people with downs syndrome and other developmental challenges. She gave us some examples of how this works for real people in real jobs, for example David, at Peninsula Coop, works as a cleaner, assists with gas, helps everywhere around the gas bar, and also works at Starbucks.

Vancouver Island Regional Library has had another successful placement—Ryan works at Oaklands Community centre at the preschool, helping with the garden and other duties.

Mary, who was at the meeting, has worked at Country Grocers for 10 years; she enjoys reading, walking her dog and being an advocate for people with developmental disabilities.  She also works at Uvic Commons and enjoys her independence, and being out in the Community working.  She is always there to serve the customers and enjoys their compliments for doing a good job. She is on the Social Committee at Country Grocers organizing, golfing, ten pin bowling and fund raising.  Laura, a staff person at Garth Homer is always available to help her and talk to about her work.

Amy reminded us that a community connection, a schedule, respect, being involved, validates you as a member of society. We all know someone who has a disability; in our communities we need to be inclusive. Why should employers hire persons with disabilities:  Retention, increased employee morale, low cost, low risk, safety, help and support and profit.

Be a savvy consumer and connect with the Garth Homer Society.

We are invited to a Breakfast with Mark Water, October 8, 7:30 to 9:00, 813 Darwin; he has 35 employees in his business with disabilities.

Brian Lamb thoughtfully thanked our speakers Amy and Mary.

We closed with the Queen!

Reminder to get involved, with Henderson and Bowker Creek!