Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 25 August 2015 - Richard Leblanc from the Homeless Society

Reporter: Lorna Curtis 

President Heather opened the meeting by reviewing the meaning of the word ‘club’ which dates back to the early 17th century.  She outlined the different kinds of clubs - gentlemen's, social and service club,s to name a few.

Ron Cooley welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Visiting Rotarian Joel Fagan from the Saanich Club, Clara Bradley and Patrick Ntwari from Rotaract.  Tammy, Alexandra and Mark Ages, guests of David Maxwell; Jill Croft, guest of Tom; Eileen Lavigne, guest of Steve Sharlow; Lisa Cairns, guest of Jack Petrie; Helga Jacobson, guest of Naida; Richard Leblanc, guest speaker; Christine VanReeuwyk, guest of Rod Sim, and Dianne Laird, guest of Heather Aked.

Announcements:

• President Heather bid a fond farewell to Dave Maxwell who is temporarily moving to Toronto. The hotel made a special farewell cake for dessert, and President Heather presented Dave with the Rotarian of the month pin.
• Jim Force presented Clare Bradley, co-president of Rotaract, with a cheque for $250 to send a Rotaractor to the Big West Conference in Seattle, this fall.
• President Heather presented Jim Force with a membership pin for sponsoring two new members.
• Lynne announced she has to have the shunt redone and hopes to start dialysis in the next couple of weeks.
• Lorna announced the Chili Cook Off, a Westshore Rotary Club fundraiser on Saturday, August 29th at Millstream Village 11am to 2pm. $7 to sample chili and vote for a winner. The fee includes a hot dog and drink.
• Sabrina asked club members to consider making a $20 donation to host a Rotaract or interact student to come to lunch this Rotary Year. 
• Mandy announced she is working with Ann McIntyre at Disaster Aid Canada on the Soap for Hope Program.  Thursday, September 3^rd Disaster Aid Canada will have an open house to increase their profile in community. Come and find out more about the Soap for Hope Program and enjoy lunch at one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

Dave Maxwell, Chair of the Club Foundation, presented the $1000, 2015 Rotary Scholarship Award to Alexandra Ages. 

The winner of the Rotary Scholarship Award is selected based on the candidate’s record of academic excellence, demonstration of leadership qualities, and the motto ‘Service Above Self’. 

Alexandra was chosen because of her record of community service and leadership initiative.  Alexandra served as a School Peer Counselor at Oak Bay High School; a member of the Island Sexual Health Youth Committee; a member and lead of the Mental Health Forum of the Greater Victoria Youth Council; a Youth Facilitator for the Red Cross International, and a member of the Syrian Refugee Aid Club.  In addition, Alexandra co-chaired the Climate Action Summit for YesBC Youth, and was the recipient of Oak Bay High School’s 2015 Humanitarian Award. 

Alexandra thanked the club for their support.  She is registered to attend UVIC this fall and promises to join the Rotaract Club.

Guest Speaker:

Tom Croft introduced the speaker Richard Leblanc from the Homeless Society. Richard told us a story of a woman who had a family, home and good job.  Due to a car accident, she lost her husband and two childrem and her life spiralled downward until she ended up homeless. Apparently, this story is not uncommon among the homeless.  Richard has been working with her and she has now turned her life around.

In 2001, 360 homeless were on the streets of Victoria; now there are approximately 1700.  Even with help, only 5 percent of the homeless change their life.  Life expectancy for the homeless is around age 45. How we currently deal with the homeless is not working but there are other ways such as therapeutic models. One such model, in Italy, has a 72 percent success rate.   1500 people have developed a town, they have a common dining room, they work on a farm – they are given dignity and respect. 

Street people cost about $60,000 per person, per year, for social services, policing etc. The therapeutic model costs $28,000 per year per person.

Richard talked about Woodwynn Farms, a therapeutic community for the homeless.  It is a 200 acre farm, 25 minutes from downtown Victoria, where residents start their day with yoga, hold group meetings, and work on the farm growing fruits and vegetables. In the evening,  residents are allowed to leave the farm. It is a clean and sober facility. A key aim  is to keep residents away from the downtown core and any triggers. The residents' sugar and coffee consumption is limited. Before residents come to the farm, they usually spend 7-9 days in detox at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Six years into the operation, the program has a 45-50 percent success rate.  Currently there are 2-9 residents but the Farm can house 96. There is a need to get permit approval to move to the next level. The average stay is 13-14 months but a 3 year stay is required to make a long lasting life change. Woodwynn Farm is always looking for funding to assist with  its program.

Mary Canty thanked Richard and suggested that the club visit Woodwynn Farm. 

50/50:

Brian Lamb, Sergeant at Arms, fined greeters that were late!  Tav apparently is a model for standing at attention when singing the Canadian national anthem - anyone not standing like Tav was fined.

Heather fined for chaos at the start of the meeting, Dave fined just because. Mary Canty fined for not signing in. Lorna did not get fined for taking bulletin notes! The investment folks fined for putting the market in a tailspin. 

Anniversaries: Jean and Peter Lawrie,  Neil and Laura Madson

Happy/Sad Dollars: Joan and Dallas thanked everyone for their support and concern over their recent health issues.

Heather finally had the Italian Dinner at Jack and Brannan Petrie’s (one she purchased a few years ago at the Tuscan Dinner) – Ron and Jane Cooley joined them.  

Lori and Heather excited to play in the Kool Aid Golf Tournament.

Visitor Lisa Cairns gave a happy $5 - she has heard about Rotary and Polio but had no idea we have so much fun at meetings.

Dave Maxwell gave $1000 cheque  - $500 to each RI and Club Foundations.

Mandy - 4-year anniversary - attending an Indian wedding this weekend in Vancouver.

Vicky won the draw!

Jack Petrie called Dave Maxwell up the front along with Lorna, Joan F, Ron Cooley and Heather. Each gave highlights of Dave’s time in the Oak Bay Rotary Club, comparing his deeds to the 4 Way Test.  

The meeting ended by the club singing ‘For He's the Jolly Good Fellow’.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting of 18 August 2015 - Daniel Doherty of End Point Vision

Reporter: Lorna Curtis

President Heather opened the meeting by reminding us at the beginning of the importance of obtaining new members by looking at current classifications to see if there are members needed in any specific classification areas.

Guests:

Anne Sims introduced guests: Eileen Lavigne and Daniel Doherty, and visiting Rotarians, Bruce Willis and Colin Smith.

Announcements:

• Dallas updated us on Joan Firkins' health.
• Peter Sou had surgery but will be back in a couple of weeks
• The Board meets the 3rd Monday of each month and any member is welcome to attend a board meeting.  The next Board meeting is September 21st.
• The Paul Harris Dinner has been postponed until a later date.
• John Jordan announced his end of year plant sale on August 26th/27th. He has 600 plants for sale.  Proceeds from the plant sale go towards John's Rwanda project.
• Heather reminded us to go into the RI website and sign up for My Rotary. 
• Also, please sign up for the Sept 29th tour of the museum and lunch at the Spaghetti Factory – there will be no other meeting that week.

50/50:

Brian Lamb came to the podium as Celebrations Master. He immediately fined Perry, Janna, Jenna and Steve for not signing in. Those not wearing a pin were fined.  Tav was fined for a picture of him in a newspaper, on a golf course, but with no Rotary pin in sight. Those who did not give Brian exact change at the cash desk were fined.  Ron was fined for trying to make Brian feel guilty. Sandy was fined for snatching extra desserts. Giles was fined just because.

Birthdays: Corey Burger and Bill Burns, Don O'Coffey.

Lots of happy and sad dollars.

Steve Sharlow won the draw but not the big pot.

Guest Speaker:

Bruce Willis introduced the guest speaker Dan Doherty of END POINT VISION. "When you want to build your capacity for high performance in your personal life, work, sports or other area of passion, EPV gives you the tools to succeed. Learn performance theory, and practice setting up powerful EPV structures in the areas of your life in which you choose to excel." 

Dan is a founder of a company that works to make higher education better.

Are you living your dream?  What you do internally and how it affects you externally. Dan encouraged Rotarians to set visions and goals to do good work in the world.

Wynn thanked the speaker.

Closed to Mexico's national anthem.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 11 August 2015 - Benton Mischuk on the new Immigration Scheme

Reporter: Anne Sims

President Heather opened the meeting and called us to order. We started with the “O Canada”. Wolf Schopper gave the invocation in German.

VISITORS & GUESTS: Steve Sharlow announced our visiting Rotarians:

Kim McGowan and Laima Pakstas from the Victoria Club and our guests: Tim Doherty, Vicky Pitt's spouse;  Ellen Lavigne, guest of Steve Sharlow and; our guest speaker Benton Mischuk.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Heather gave our Rotary pin to Ellen Lavigne 

Mary Canty gave an update from Batya and David Westler. They are still in Israel to take care of their son.

Joan Peggs asked our members to sign up for our Flag subscriptions.

Perry Bamji announced our nominations for the Paul Harris awards were due for today.

Celebrations Master: Jim Laing

His first question to our club was: “Who is on the front page on the Rotarian magazine in August?” Those who did not have the answer were fined. The Rotarian is Robb Knuepler. He reached top of his field, re-imagined retirement and went back to school.

Jack advised that Dave Maxwell is leaving us for a time. Dave is moving to Toronto. But he will be back!

Jack Petrie was fined for off- key on the O Canada. All members were fined if we do not have at least 2 Rotary pins.  

Birthdays: Don O'Coffey (80^th!), John Edgell, Corey Burger. Anniversaries: Bill Burns (#1) and Dallas Chapple. Rotary anniversaries: Pete Lawrie and Don O'Coffey.

The 50/50 was won by Ron Cooley who pulled out the black marble.

GUEST SPEAKER:

Jenny Hildebrand introduced Benton Mischuk. Benton has over 17 years’ experience dealing with immigration issues in private legal practice and working  for the  federal and provincial government. He was posted overseas as a visa officer, working in the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia. Benton joined Sheffman & Company in 2015.

Benton’s talk was about the  the economic immigrant.  He explained an  electronic application program  for permanent residence applications, which was introduced in January 2015. It is called Express Entry and enables Canada to choose skilled immigrants as permanent residents based on their ability to settle in Canada and take part in our economy.  Generally it creates an increased lack of certainty for people wishing to apply for permanent residence status. For more information click here. 

Neil Rawnsley thanked Benton for his overview of immigration law and presented our Rotary Mug.

Our closing was the National Anthem of Rwanda.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay meeting 4 August 2015 - Collette Travel

Reporter: Tom Croft

President Heather opened the meeting a little late at 12:20!.  She welcomed us to the 5^th meeting of her term.  Membership and Extension Month, challenges us to sit with someone new, and invite someone out for coffee or lunch.  The social team is working on events to promote fellowship.

O’ Canada was sung with gusto reflecting the mood of an election call!

 Don O’Coffey provided grace and was thankful that we have 78 days to make up our minds on who to vote for.  He felt the cost of the election could be better spent on homelessness.

Visitors and Guests: visiting Rotarian Bruce Willats from Laguna Beach; Anna Coleshaw-Echols, guest of Ron Cooley; Eileen Lavigne, guest of Steve Sharlow ,

Announcements:

• Heather offered Rotary Pins to those who had signed up online: Eileen Lavigne and Rod Sims. However, Heather had left the pins at home.
• Perry reminded us of the Paul Harris Award Nominations closing this week.  
• John (?) is looking for kitty litter trays?

Celebration Master:  is Jim Laing now typecast, as the celebration master,  to bring humour and lightness to meetings. Bob Schelle fined for speaking out; Heather Aked fined for not having Pins and a late  start; Vicky Pitt fined for hair day? Joan said something to David about his hair colour, apparently caused by going out in the sun.  Perry fined for cutting in on the Master.

Wedding anniversaries for Phil, Wynn, and David. 

Happy Sad Dollars: Lorna gave an emotional thank you for work on the Food Rescue program. Congratulations to the Rotary Car Raffle for making the $100,000 goal for food rescue for homeless. Tom was happy because of  daughter's wedding, Vicky was happy because Nigeria went a full year without Polio, Anne was happy about her warehouse.

Happy thoughts go to Joan Firkins for a healthy recovery and the work she does for Rotary in the world.

Brian won free lunch!

Speaker:  Tom MacLean from Collette Travel   Click here for more information

Steve Sharlow introduced the speaker,Tom MacLean, who spoke to us about us about river and land tours, offered by Collette Travel and available from travel agents.  Tom has been with the company for 14 years, and has travelled to many countries in 6 continents.

The tours are aimed at the 50 + age group; a discerning client base; and those interested in cultural learning experiences. Door to door limo service is available, most meals, and wine with lunch and dinner. The tours are mostly inclusive of sightseeing options and 4 star, centrally located accommodation. Change of mind cancellation is available, for whatever reason, 24 hours before departure, with a refund, not a future credit.

The talk focused on the Legendary Waterways of Europe boat tour available June 10, 2016 offering 16 days, 41 meals, 5 countries and 3 rivers, on the Amadeus Princess. Tom provided a great pictorial tour of the trip on the rivers from Budapest to Amsterdam.

Tom fielded a number of questions and the presentation was greatly appreciated by all present.

Jack Petrie thanked Tom for his presentation, and said that it was so real that he felt that he had jet lag, had gained 5 pounds and  also had a hangover!  Tom received his mug with thanks.

Heather closed the meeting on time with God Save the Queen!

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 28 July 2015 - Club Day - Report from the Committees

Reporter:  Renate Gibbs

Opening:   President Heather opened the meeting and called us to order.  Members and guests assembled, then sang a rendition of ‘O Canada’.     Tom Lidkea gave the invocation.

Guests: 

Tav McPherson announced the Visiting Rotarians (Creole Carmichael, Victoria Club, Patricia Labbe, St. Albert Club, and Bruce Willats, Laguna Beach Club ) and Guests (Peter Jones guest of Patricia Labbe and Dan Doherty guest of Bruce Willats).

Announcements:

·                  Heather Aked recognized our Rotarian of the Month, Steve Sharlow, and he was presented with a pin.

·                  Joan Firkins reported on her involvement with ‘Family Health and Aids Prevention’ and the ‘Rotary Family Health Days’ (RFHD).  This program, which began in 2005, was originally called the ‘Rotarians Fighting Aids’ in Uganda.  The power of this project is the  support it provides in promoting a healthy future for parents and their children.  Today, it spans Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa with a focus on HIV, AIDs, Malaria, TB, Hypertension, Polio and Diabetes, to name a few.  RFHD in India, in February 2016, will be a pilot project which will require a Global Grant of $30,000 and Joan will match contributions from our club up to $1000 – we hope to raise $2,500. Click HERE for additional information.

·                  Rod Sims reported on the status of the Rotary Club of Oak Bay Foundation formed in 2009, and registered as a Charitable Public Foundation in 2011.  Currently, Board members include David Maxwell (President), Tav McPherson (Vice President), Rod Sims (Treasurer), Jim Force, Joan Peggs, and Steve Sharlow.  Victoria Pitt had to step down as Secretary and that position remains vacant.  With $42,000 in assets currently, $30,0000 is endowed, and the plans are to support scholarships as this amount grows.  Another $11,000 are restricted funds which are designated, and the remaining amount is unrestricted.  A newly launched Ted  Harrison Legacy Fund will exist under the Endowment Funds.  An example of the support provided by the Foundation is the Oak Bay High School’s Totem Pole.

·                  Neil Rawnsley presented a first time Paul Harris Fellowship to Lori McLeod, and this was designated by Heather Aked.

Celebrations Master

Lori McLeod started the momentum by requesting the name of the August 1^st holiday in each province, and this emptied a number of tables of loonies and toonies with efficiency.  Happy and Sad $ were from Heather, whose niece now has a baby girl; Bill B, who survived his 6 year old granddaughter’s visit; Tav McPherson, who participated in last week’s Uplands Golf Club charity event that raised $135,000; Lori McLeod, whose son celebrated his 30^th birthday and; Giles Baxter who celebrated his 80^th birthday.  Janette  had the winning ticket number for the 50-50 draw for some cash but left the winning marble for the big bucks behind.

Club Day Reports:

President’s Report – Heather Aked is working to meet the Presidential Citation. With several opportunities already in place and sponsored, we are well underway.  

Youth Services – Jim Force briefly addressed the 25^th anniversary of the Interact Club of Oak Bay Youth, and Lori McLeod’s grant application for the Memory Café in the amount of $25,000.  The first meeting will take place August 1, 2015.

Community Service - Sandy Currie explained that this year’s focus will be on a soon to be designated Elementary School Program, as well as coordinating with Youth Services and Friends of Uplands Park.  This is a truly collaborative project.  The next meeting will take place during the last week of August, 2015. Stay tuned for the date!

International Service - John Jordan and Mandy Pui shared in the opportunity to update us on the projects which will include a matching grant for the Rwanda Eco Sanitation Project of $3,500; India Family Days (Joan Firkins); Mexico Mobile Library Project (John Edgell); Kenya Youth Leadership (Anne M); Lesutu – Preschool Nutrition (Naida Hyde); Disaster Resources (Anne M) and; Malawi (Bill Burns). Although these projects are not involved in matching grants, they will receive support staggered over 2015 and 2016.  There may be a funding gap as a result of  not having the New Orleans Dinner event in 2015. We welcome club input on which projects we can afford to support..

Membership- Bill Burns endorsed the club’s goal to increase and maintain our membership, with a focus to encourage 8 to 10 new members in order to cover departures.  The next meeting occurs this Tuesday, August 4^th at 1120 AM.

Public Image- Perry Bamji reminded us that Steve Sharlow is taking the lead on revamping the club’s website, maintaining the Facebook page and establishing a Twitter account.  The mandate of PI is to disseminate information at regular intervals. He mentioned the club bulletin, the website, and Facebook as carriers of information, and urged members to read them and take part. Perry spoke of the Paul Harris Awards evening on October 22^nd at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Perrri stressed this is an important PI event to showcase Rotary to the citizens of Victoria.  Those nominated must be a first time awardee and available to attend the dinner on  October 22.  Nominations will be accepted until August 11^th.  As this is a small committee, more members are welcome!
Administration- Bob Schelle explained how Program Speakers will alternate between those representing causes, and those who speak on general interest subjects. This elicited strong support  and appreciation by those present.
 
Closing:

The meeting ended with a musical rendition of the National Anthem of Spain.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting of 21 July 2015 - Vocational presentations by Jack P. and Sanjay U.

Reporter:  Renate Gibbs

Opening:  

President Heather recounted aspects of the legacy of Paul Harris for Rotary Clubs and the resulting impact this has had in making Rotary Scholarships possible, one of the most generous throughout the world.  Members and guests assembled then sang a rendition of ‘O Canada’!

John Jordan gave the invocation.

Guests: 

Ted Chambers announced the Visiting Rotarians (Dennis Rusk – Phoenix 100, George Zeman, Victoria Club ) and Guests (Jenifer Blyth, Maureen Madsen, Lori Rusk, Janet Welham and Helga Jacobson) .

·       A Banner exchange occurred with the Phoenix 100 Rotary Club.

Announcements:

• Mary Canty advised another past member is now moving to the Kootenays: Jaqueline Mealing is leaving Courtney for Kaslo.  
• Jim Force and President Heather presented Janet Welham (District of Oak Bay) with an enormous facsimile of a cheque in the amount of $40,000 to support the work involved in furnishing the kitchen and interior of the brand new Neighbourhood Learning Centre, part of the Oak Bay Youth Centre.  Janet thanked the club warmly and provided a description of the activities local youth could expect with Oak Bay Recreation Centre’s partnership.  Vicky Pitt promised to issue a wallet sized cheque shortly!
  
• President Heather reminded the club that last year’s Paul Harris Dinner was a success and this year on October 22^nd, 2015 we will once again award 3 non-Rotarians with a Paul Harris Award.  Nominations are now invited, and Perry Bamji will send out the criteria early this week to help meet the August 11^th deadline for nominations.
• Neil Rawnsley presented Steve Sharlow with a Paul Harris pin to acknowledge Steve has achieved this six times!
  
• Bill Burns introduced George Zeman, who addressed the need for help with the Car Raffle for the remaining 3 weeks. He stressed that help with the car ‘movements’ were going to be important.  Brian Lamb is also ready this week and the next, to share more books of Raffle Tickets, please turn in ‘sold’ books as soon as possible and consider signing up to sell tickets, taking a book of tickets to sell  and moving the car.  By August 9^th these efforts will help us reach the goal of $110,000 which will be matched by Rotary Foundation to help support the Food Share Program in Victoria.
  
• Vicky Pitt reported that $1500 is available to us through Thrifty Smile Cards.  Heather would like this worthwhile program to have another member take on this oversight as she takes on her responsibilities. Janette volunteerd.

Celebrations Master

Tom C did a remarkable job of relieving  everyone of their loonies and toonies for various and sundry reasons. The best fine of the day involved the statement that ‘short pants are not appropriate' worn by a select few.  Four birthdays included our celebrations master, Ron Beyer, Joan Peggs and Ron Cooley.  Tom Croft and Joan Peggs each gave $68 in recognition of staying young.  Happy and Sad $ included Perry Bamji for John Jordan’s work in Rawanda, Mary Canty loved the time to chat with potential raffle customers, Lynne Murray had an injury free but scary taxi ride, Vicky Pitt learned there is a way to get a malfunctioning car power window to work but it’s still a mystery, Joan Peggs solved another car problem using a spare key to start her vehicle, Bob Schell celebrated his 5^th grandchild with $5 and George Zeman thanked those who attended his son’s film screening “I search for Freedom” which is going to be shown in 80 cities.  Sanjay Uppal had the winning ticket number for the 50-50 draw and pulled the appropriate marble for the big bucks!

Guest Speakers:

Heather Aked preceded guest introductions with a story about her first tenure as President more than a decade ago which involved inviting Jack Petrie (a newer member then) who was paired with Bert Wonton who took more than his share of time time to talk about his vocation.  Jack was assured he would be invited to speak again; Heather just didn’t warn Jack that it would be eleven years later!

Peter Lawrie introduced Jack Petrie, a partner with Newport Realty. 

Jack wasted no time outlining his early years, leaving Hamilton, Ontario in 1969, where he went on to manage bands such as Ike and Tina Turner.  Convoluted circumstances and ‘a 100 head of chickens’ eventually brought Jack to Victoria in 1975, and after a year of bartending, he obtained his real estate licence and was off and running.  Actually his first 2 weeks in the business involved sorting out what new clients would like and discovering how to keep clients.  Jack was sure it wasn’t accidently showing off his driving skills in a Volkswagen Beetle sliding through intersections and up on the curb in front of the new clients.  Jack was able to think on his feet.  For example he thought  quickly when at the start of an Open House  he opened the door to find the resident cat expiring in front of him.  His decision to tuck the recently deceased cat on the fireplace hearth lent an air of calm as the family viewed the home without noticing the cat.  Jack’s composure was tested when the parents and Jack found the children sitting with the less-than-lively cat and patting it. Needless to say, the cat wasn't moving a muscle.

Peter Lawrie followed some laughter to eloquently introduce Sanjay Uppal, Revenue Manager with the Royal BC Museum.   Sanjay also started in Ontario, leaving Thunder Bay for Yellowknife and then Iqaluit before coming to Victoria in 2004 with his wife Megan and 2 young daughters.  Sanjay explained that the day in the life of a revenue manager involves the opportunity to develop revenue beyond the Box Office, as only 17% of revenue comes out of ticket sales.  With such a world class organization as the Royal British Columbia Museum, Sanjay recounted some heart-warming stories where visitors are known to exhibit a generous spirit.  He shared that 52% of visitors are actually BC residents who come to learn about the province’s history and natural habitat through the museum’s many exhibits.  Sanjay is also developing skills in another role as a Property Manager and completing the course to become a licensed Real Estate salesperson.

Closing:

Vicky Pitt updated the club on a Global Grant Scholarship awarded to Katie DeRosa who spoke at a previous meeting and will pursue her studies at the London School of Economics.  President Heather closed the meeting and then The Queen was sung.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 14 July 2015 - Guest Speaker: Elizabeth May OC, MP - Leader of the Green Party

Reporter:Ron Cooley

President Heather opened the meeting but had technical difficulties so we started in a non traditional manner.

Heather told us that the RI President was inspired (quote from Rotarian March 2015): 

"We in Rotary aspire to great deeds. We look up to and admire the towering figures of history who gave such great gifts to humanity. Abraham Lincoln, who gave the gift of human dignity to so many.  Mother Teresa, who gave the gift of compassion to the forgotten. Mahatma Gandhi, who gave the gift of peaceful change to the oppressed. All of them gave their lives to others – and their very lives became gifts to the world. Cannot we in Rotary be, in our own way, a small gift to the world?"

We skipped O'Canada 

John Edgell gave the invocation

Sandy Currie introduced the Visiting Rotarian's and Guests.

Visiting Rotarians:

Allen Lin:​  Vancouver Centennial; Creole Carmichael: Victoria; Bruce Willets: Laguna Beach, CA;Elizabeth May: Sidney by the Sea

Guests:

Helga Jacobsen; Eileen Lavigne - guest of Steve Sharlow; Lloyd Hildebrant; Jenny Hildebrant ; Colleen Force – guest of Jim Force; Jessica Van Der Veen; Lynne Murray; Mandi Pui; Laura Mali                                              

President Heather and Wendy Townsend presented Jim Force with his Past President pin and a plaque.

Bill Burns was recognized for receiving the Citizen of the Century from Courtney. Well done. He did try to protest he was not that old.

President Heather inducted 2 new members. Jenny Hildebrant and Mandi Pui where pinned  by their respective sponsors Anne McIntrye and Jim Force.

Announcements:

 Mary Canty informed us that John Snively and Tricia Timmerman were battling smoke in Nelson. They will have to wait for the snow to put the fires out. Ted Chambers has rejoined us. International service committee will meet after the next meeting on July 21,15

Lori McLeod was our Celebrations Master and 1st of 2 speakers. She did fine herself for her "shameless plug of Elder Care."

Lori stated that 22 million in funding is available to help prevent isolation of sebiors. On Vancouver Island alone, we have 40,000 seniors (above 55) and Southern Vancouver Island has 19,000 seniors of which 14% have no one to turn to which leaves them feeling disconnected and undervalued. This leads to a 60% increase in Alzheimer disease in this group.  

Lori stated that they would be 100% connected if they were Rotarians and  fined us all.

We were fined if we did not get out and enjoy our lovely inner harbor; we did not meet with family or friends this summer; Bill Burns was fined for his Century of age; Rod Sim was fined for over aggressive collections (the EU could use his help);Heather was fined (she offered herself up) for not being a good example and wearing her Rotary Pins

We sang Happy Birthday to Heather (it was last week) Lorna Curtis' is on the 18th

Happy & Sad $:

Jim Force had a happy $1.10 (all he had left) for the return of 1 flag after the Oak Bay news article. Ryan Gisler had a happy $2 for his sister getting married; John Edgell $2 for surviving 2 weeks of grandchildrens visit;Dallas thanked everyone for her card and Joan Firkins for all of her help; Anne McIntyre for her Red eye trip to Toronto (happy or sad?); Heather Aked gave $69 to the Rotary Foundation for a combination of her birthday and anniversary but did not break it down. How old is Alexander?; Heather suggest Lori should be fined for her long intro. Joan Peggs won the draw but not the big prize.

Guest Speaker: Naida Hyde introduced our Speaker Elizabeth May OC, the Leader of the Green Party and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands. Naida covered the following about Elizabeth May, in her introduction: Elizabeth was born in Connecticut but when she was 18 after a holiday to Cape Breton, her family upped sticks and moved there. Travel can have a profound effect on your life.  Naida and Elizabeth have a couple of things in common. The both are long time supporters of girls education in Lesotho. They both have an aunt Mary. Elizabeth's aunt Mary said "Life has much more imagination than you or I." Elizabeth has chosen Life with a capital "L" She quotes Norton Juster in The Phantom Tollbooth who says "So many things are possible just as long as you don't know they are impossible." She embraces the Ghandian principle "having more can never replace being more." As a lawyer, she could have embraced the corporate world but instead took on the directorship of the Sierra Club of Canada.

She is the proud mother of Cate as well as 3 step-children and grandmother to 7.

Elizabeth is an officer of the Order of Canada, received for her decades of environmental work.

She is an author and has a new book (8th) Who We Are. Farley Mowat says "Elizabeth is a storyteller in the Grand tradition."

Joe Clarke, former Prime Minister calls Elizabeth May "Canada's most effective Parliamentarian." She was 2012 Parliamentarian of the Year; 2013 Hardest working MP;

2014 Best Orator.

“Join me in welcoming the woman who danced barefoot in the sand with Bella Abzug”.

Elizabeth May:

Elizabeth suggested that she should quit while she was ahead. That was the most lovely and generous introduction she had ever had. Rotary is non partisan, she said, and non political but with only 97 days to the next election she would be cautious. She said that it is like a protracted job interview. She said it is the single greatest honor to be elected to represent her constituents.

She suggested she could have had a number of vocational classes in Rotary: Author; Chef ; Waiter; Chimney Sweep. 

Growing up, Elizabeth's family was well off; her father was VP of Aetna insurance. She said her parents had an inadequate concept of financial planning. They started a restaurant in a town of 42.  Her mom said they were "nouveau poor"

Elizabeth started her career as a policy analyst in Ottawa.  At that time, the Westminster  Parliamentary  conventions followed by Parliament in Canada government was different to procedures today. All members were equal.

The Prime Minister’s job was not considered full time and often they held a portfolio. The PM's office consisted of a few file clerks and assistants.

Since the early 1970's she has seen a steady increase in the PM office as everyone consolidates power and adds to it. The last 4 decades has changed a lot. Prior to that, the PM did not interfere in proposed legislation. Debates were very open and non partisan with sincere evaluation about what the best choice was. It was also open to new ideas which could be introduced. 

Elizabeth referenced Irresponsible Government: The Decline of Parliamentary Democracy in Canada: Brent Rathgeber, Andrew Coyne​ and said that basic respect is no longer observed. Parliamentarians no longer hold government to account and we need to restore the traditional conventions of the Westminster system.

Americans brought a deep distrust of the excess of power to their constitution with a system of checks and balances. An interesting fact she quoted was that the entire graduating class of 1776 at Harvard moved to Canada. Elizabeth May is hoping to restore respect across all party lines.

She questioned how  we might control an excess of power? "Take away their money." The PM's office has 10 million dollars per year of funding that they are unaccountable for. The #1 goal is to improve the chance of getting re elected. 1980 was not that long ago and we could work together like Rotary for the good of the country.

John Edgell had a question re Nestle using ground water.  Because of B.C.’s lack of groundwater regulation, Nestlé Waters Canada — a division of the multi-billion-dollar Switzerland-based Nestlé Group, the world’s largest food company — is not required to measure, report, or pay a penny for the millions of litres of water it draws from Hope and then sells across Western Canada.​ Elizabeth said this is a hot issue and water pricing is important. Canadians and Americans are the biggest water wasters on the planet and we should not allow such corporations  to use ground water for resale at any price.

She spoke about the drawback of NAFTA allowing foreign corporations to sue the government if a decision interferes with their expectation of profit. The current agreement is in place until 2045. 

Renata Gibbs thanked Elizabeth and presented her with a unique Rotary mug.

President Heather closed the meeting with the Sri Lanka National Anthem.