On the whole, it was a very good meeting, marred only by the Celebrations Master who had the audacity to fine your scribe for the day. Furthermore, the lead vocalists for the day started the singing of the Anthem slowly and slightly off key. By the time we reached the last line, however, the less gifted singers had managed to correct both pitch and pace.
President Joan (at right displaying her monthly-topic meeting hats) did a lot better with her reminder that December is Family Month. And she enlarged on this thought by reminding us of the many ways in which in our programs, projects and outreach work are embracing families and enhancing family life.
David Westler said Grace and Giles Bixler introduced Bob Salmond, guest of Vicky Pitt. (Quiz: When was the last time that we had only one guest and no visiting Rotarians? Winner of the quiz may have the dubious honour of being fined next week. After all, Win Taylor was fined today for being the “Senior Runner of the Year”.)
Brian Lamb presented the nominations for office for 2012/13 that he and Heather Aked had prepared: President: Joan Peggs;
Past President: John Edgell;
President-Elect: Pete Lawrie;
Secretary: Leslie Rogers-Warnock;
Treasurer: Anne Sims;
Public Relations and Membership: Barry Mutter;
International Committee: David Westler;
New Generations: Lori McLeod.
Public Relations and Community Service chairs are still unoccupied.
Joan announced that the Christmas Party would be at our regular meeting time on December 20th. She also remembered and thanked all the members who had been involved in the Pointsettia sales - more than 300 plants sold. In the same note of gratitude, Joan remembered to thank Leslie and her helpers for the Merrython - great fun was had by all - including Brian, at right - playing fireman.
Then, she forgot who is to be the Celebrations Master for December! Oh well, two out of three is a pretty good memory! While he was on his feet, Rod, the C.A., reminded us of the need for volunteers for the Salvation Army Kettle duties. He promised to have an up-dated schedule on line before the end of the day. We celebrated Wolf Schopper’s birthday in song and also gave a round of applause to Jim Force who has completed 8 years of membership.
There was open discussion on the three proposals for constitutional changes - items 1, 2 and 3. Copies of these proposals have been e-mailed to members, and items 4, 5, and 6 will be discussed next week. Leslie counted our votes and a full report of the results will be made known later. Please note: if you didn’t attend today, or, if you are not planning to attend the next meeting, your votes will be included if you e-mail your vote on 1, 2, 3, to Leslie by this Friday, or 4, 5, 6 by next Friday, At least, I think that is what I heard. Proposals are to be found in the November and December Discussion blog.
Our Guest Speaker, Lisa Helps (left), was introduced by Ron Beyer. Lisa is the Executive Director of COMMUNITY MICRO LENDING IN VICTORIA.
By her own admission, Lisa is a “machine gun speed speaker.” By my confession I am a “single shot muzzle loading rifle” writer. Hence, I missed a lot, but you can check out the full story on their web site:
www.communitymicrolendingvictoria.ca or contact Lisa at:
lisa@communitymicrolending.ca
www.communitymicrolendingvictoria.ca or contact Lisa at:
lisa@communitymicrolending.ca
Lisa emphasized that on the whole, Social Services are doing a good job in their areas of work, but some people could do well for themselves with just a little help to get started. In essence, C.M.L. is a micro credit organization that is a good example of “neighbours helping neighbours” – an old saying with a new twist. The needy apply for a loan and present a business plan. The loan is made from a fund that has been built up by investments of money loaned by members of the community. All necessary police checks are made; plans are checked out; a mentor is named to work with the applicant, and favourable interest rates are agreed upon and loans are made. Micro Credit was formed originally in 1931 - the Victoria chapter was founded in 2009. Lisa said that essentially, micro credit is making “character loans” to people who show initiative and drive, but need starter funds. To date, the recipients have maintained a 97% repayment of their loans. The minimum loan that they will make is $500, but some loans have been as high as $5,000. There was a lively Question and Answer period, and then Will Carter expressed the thanks of the club and presented the cherished Rotary mug.
And so ended another Rotary event. Well, not really, our work, example, and daily upholding of the four way test continue 24/7, and thus we live up to our theme: SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
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| Enjoying Tuesday's meeting: Batya, John, Neil, Eugen, Jacqueline, Jessica, Will, David, and Jim. |
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