Reporter: Don O'Coffey; photos via Joan Peggs' cell phone.
President Peter opened the meeting by showing a video three times ... and I still did not get it. It was good to have Tom Lidkea back at the piano again to help us with singing the national anthem. Peter Sou said grace. President Peter's opening remarks mentioned that the December theme is FAMILY, and, by extension, FRIENDS. He thanked those who came to join us. The format was changed - there was no celebration mistress. We missed you Dallas. In place of the fines, Rod had a Salvation Army Kettle circulating the room to accept loose change and folding cash to support families in our community. The S.A. has sent out 1,000 food hampers and there is a need for another ,1000 still on the waiting list.
It seemed to be a smaller group today as many people are with family for the season or south for the warmth. There may also have been those who feared public singing, although the club went to great expense to assemble a secret choir and orchestra to lead us. They were Dallas, Jill Croft, Jessica, Lynne, John Edgell, Tom Croft, Neil Rawnsley, and the orchestra was ... Tom Lidkea.
Thank you all for a great job.
Visitors introduced by Perry Bamji:
Leslie Ockermueller Guest of Peter Lawrie
Debbie Sou Guest of Peter Sou
Joanne Plewes Guest of Lynne Murray
Linda Edgell Guest of John Edgell
Jill Croft Guest of Tom Croft
Tara Hearn Guest of Lori Mcleod
Dianne MacPherson Guest of Tav MacPherson
Donna Blackstock Guest of Joan Peggs
The Guest's were given the traditional Oak Bay Rotary Welcome.
Mary Canty on Health of the club: Mary and Eugen visited Ted Harrison and said that he enjoyed the visit, but he is not getting many visitors and would appreciate more. David Philip has been advised by his doctor to lay low for a while. It might be nice to give him a call if you have time.
Announcements
Perry: There are six nominations for the Paul Harris Fellowship award dinner; he is expecting more before closing at the end of today.
Leslie: Update on Merrython It looks like the Merrython raised $4,600 this year. A great job and thanks to all involved.
Rod Sim (left) is still trying to fill the last few vacancies for the Salvation Army kettles. If you have some time to spare give him a call and see if he has filled the roster. Rod received a 10-year award pin for organizing the kettles. You always get the job done Rod. Thanks.
Peter Lawrie. This is the last meeting of 2013; January 7th is our next meeting and will include the AGM for our club and our Foundation. I would like to include the closing piece verbatim because it was so well done. "Christmas is a time of both sadness and joy as we remember dear ones we have lost; we look forward to building on their impact on life. We are so happy Leslie is joining, us as we all miss Hans. We also empathize and sympathize with Lynne, Jill and Tom's loss of Donna yesterday morning. Thank you for coming out today and for sharing in the carol singing. Our hearts go out to you.
I met Lynne and Peter Sou on the avenue while doing Christmas Kettles. Peter was charming a 3-year-old to ring the bells while his magic musical hat was twitching. Lynne said: "That's why I love this club! It caused me to think, "Why do I love this club?" When you are a part of a club like this, it is hard not to be proud!! People step up in all sorts of ways. Some work under the radar and some give service in high-profile ways. In the last 60 days we have had over 200 examples of Service above Self and probably 500 hours within the club. Pretty well everyone in our club, new or seasoned, have been involved in one way or other. For the visitors, we are committed to service and I love how people of this club step forward. There are board members who give so unselfishly. I am humbled by your efforts! In addition to this amazing time commitment, you have generously contributed ~$20,000 to the Rotary Foundation and PolioPlus. Thank you. Time, Talent, Treasure - We all generously contribute our best." (Delivered with wet eyes and emotion.) Below, some of our enthusiastic carol singers.
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