Oak Bay Rotary Club meeting of July 8, 2014

Reported by Sandy Currie

MC (Jim Laing) opened the meeting after President Jim Force welcomed all. Rod introduced visiting Rotarians, Bruce Willis (Laguna Beach CA), Edward Kialing (S Cowichan, Mill Bay), Helene Kalfuss and Dr. Leonard Kalfuss (Palm Springs CA).

He also introduced Guests C. Anne McIntyre – Disaster Aid Canada (Host – Jim Force), and Janette Nation (Host – Sabrina Corraini).

Mary spoke to the Health of the Club (Don O’Coffey attended a Flag Committee meeting prior to the Club Meeting – leaving before the meeting to get some rest at home).

Celebration Master (Jim Laing) alas had to deny the winner of the draw the big win (paying out only $10.50). He also ensured we had fun celebrating “New Years” with party hats and noise-makers for all.

Mike Hodges introduced and thanked our Speaker Jim Force.

Club President Jim Force began with a very brief introductory bio that included: early days as an American citizen, moving to Canada, continuing his interests in teaching and leadership training; teaching at Royal Roads University, and achieving a PhD.

In his presentation Jim first outlined his leadership philosophy and style. He then followed with concrete examples of a potential implementation plan. One key idea is to have shared responsibilities and duties to counter burnout (make the jobs more doable) and to match people with complementary abilities and skills. The practical application is to have co-chairs for the committees and different approaches for the Presidency (including sharing the duties).

Other priorities include continuing to have an MC (overall control of the meeting), a Celebrations Master (to celebrate club members and raise funds for the Rotary Foundation), as well as the current assortment of other duties that members take responsibility for. 

Jim’s personal interests are: East Timor, the CAT (Community Action Team - one example of the CAT is “Soap for Hope”), Micro Lending, and Literacy (the Visual Process).

Jim concluded by letting us know that “It’s our Year”.

A hearty Auld Lang Syne was sung to end the meeting.