Welcome to our Honorary Member, Nils Jensen - March 27, 2012

Prez Joan reminded us of the importance of Litteraccy. (?). Tom Lidkea tickled the ivories in his fine swingin' style and Lynne Murray gave the invocation; then, off like a herd of turtles, we attacked the buffet. Mid-munching we were alerted, by Phil Neroutsis, to the presence of visiting Rotarian:

Philip Winsor from Aiken, South Carolina; Walter Moore from Berry, Australia. Guests included His Worship, Nils Jensen, Mayor of Oak Bay; Christopher Bowers, our speaker, and the lovely Claire Helm (below with Barry Mutter) who is proposed for membership and will soon be buying her own lunch.

Health of the Club. Renate informed us sadly, of the passing of Jessica's Mom. It was a pleasure for us to meet her as Jessica brought her along to a meeting not too long ago. Our condolences to Jessica and her family.

Induction of an honorary member: Nils Jensen (above, with Prez Joan) was inducted, pinned, welcomed and then in his inimitable style, he responded that he liked Groucho Marx's comment that he'd never join an organization that would have him as a member. Charming man. Good to have him with us.

Announcements, lots of 'em:

Pete Lawrie: about the Interact club's Easter Egg Hunt and a request for prizes (how about a chicken? Live, of course).

Perry Bamji: who highlited the success of our matching grants including the one with Mark Bedford in India where he claims there are more cell phones in the village than there are toilets.

Jim Force: reminded us of the Club-in-a-Pub Thursday and that this is now its 3rd year. Well done Jim! He also set us off on a 2-minute break-out to discuss literacy amongst ourselves. No tables were silent!

Brian Lamb: reminded us of the looming Tuscan Dinner fundraiser and the need for wine bottle buyers (we sold 4 more!), ticket buyers (we're more than half-way sold out!) and more donations of silent and live auction items.

President Joan: brought several members up front to acknowledge their valiant efforts with our recent concert; Heather, in absentia, David Sills, Peter Lawrie, Bob Schelle and Pablo of course...key-rings all around.

The Fines' Master, Neil Rawnsley, jogged to the podium and sped thru a shortened program (due to the complexities and breadth of the earlier ceremonies and presentations). He still managed to milk several innocents of their mad money, namely Joan Peggs for forgetfulness (oh boy are WE all in trouble), Barry Mutter for being a nice guy or something, then we serenaded David Sills and Brian Lamb for getting older by a year. Anne Sims then drew the white marble which is good as she's recently given up her regular paycheques.

Our speaker was Christopher Bowers who made us all think of starting conversations differently, with open hearts. His talk was very interesting and made you want more. So instead of saying "How you doing?"...say "Have you had an adventure lately you can tell me about?"

Ron Cooley thanked our speaker.

We sang to the lady in the Palace. A good full meeting indeed.

Jack

Oak Bay Rotary Bulletin March 20, 2012

Reported by Jim Force


President Joan called the meeting to order advising us that today's theme's were Literacy and Friendship. Her quote for the day: "Good looks catch the eye, a good personality catches the heart."

O Canada was sung acapella. Leslie Warnock Rogers said Grace.

Ann Sims introduced Visiting Rotarians and Guests:

           Philip Winsor                                    Aitken, South Carolina, Architect, retired.

           Tyler Fitzpatrick                               Guest of Leslie Rogers Warnock.

           Lesley Wynne Pechter                     Guest of Leslie Rogers Warnock.

Philip Winsor exchanged a banner from his club. He said that South Carolina was noted for its involvement with the military, golf, and warm winter weather.

Our Literacy Speaker was Lesley Wynne Pechter.

Lesley was a fellow member of Leslie's Book Club which their husbands described as a "Wine Club with a book problem". Lesley had painted a series of wildlife paintings for her grandson's room which were picked up by Orca Publishing for their ABC board book. She praised these board books for infant readers as they are pretty indestructible.

President Joan reminded us of her email regards DLTA hospitality. Would you be able to host dinner or provide accommodation the evening of Friday March 30?

Dallas Chapple announced that the District Conference organizers were looking for Home Hospitality. Area Clubs are requested to offer social evenings for groups of 24 (12 local and 12 visiting Rotarians). e.g. potluck, barbeque, catered. Hosts are asked to provide transportation for out of towners. The contact is Jimmy Handley of Sidney Rotary by the Sea.

Bill Burns found a Rotary App on his iPhone to be useful in finding other clubs' meetings. Perry asked if Blackberry had a similar function.

Neil Rawnsely swung into action as Fines Master, aka Sergeant at Arms:

1. Early leavers included Jack Petrie, Dallas Chapple and Pablo Diemecke.

2. If you hadn't yet bought a ticket for the Concert Saturday March 24...$2.

3. Rod Sim fined as a later arrival.

4. Question: What is today? Answer: the first day of Spring....but at what hour did spring arrive. Members paid for many wrong guesses...the correct time was 1.14 a.m. As this is literacy month and poor literacy has a connection with hunger, the question was: what percentage of Americans in 2010 face hunger or food shortage? The answer was 25%. Gerry Mclean, who had control of the tea kettle, then thrust it in from of Neil and demanded a toonie for this long question he had posed. Undeterred, Neil then posed another question....what percentage of people will develop a mental illness in their lifetime....once again the answer was 25%.

Everyone was encouraged to sign the card to Ted Harrison.

Anyone who had not yet bought a bottle of wine for the Tuscan dinner was fined.

Birthdays: Tom Lidkea and John Jordan.

Happy and Sad Dollars:

Vicki Pitt...the power went off in her office at 10 am and she had just dismissed the staff when the power came back on. Phil Neurotos was glad to be home after two months in Thailand visiting his son.

Perry Bamji failed to recognize Heather in her winter coat. The name of the District Newsletter was correctly identified as "The Stocks Report"...read it!

Peter Lawrie won the draw and drew a black marble.

President Joan began the Club Assembly by introducing our Executive:

Leslie Warnock Rogers, Secretary

Heather Aked, Administration

Brian Lamb, Treasurer

Perry Bamji, International

Peter Lawrie, Community

Barry Mutter, Membership

Lori McLeod, New Generations

Joan Peggs, President Elect

Correy Burger, Publicity

Neil Rawnsley, Foundation

Brian Lamb auctioned off a round of golf for four at Olympic View. The winner at $150: Rod Sim, who said it was a great waste as allegedly he doesn't golf.

Brian was not looking forward to attending PETS...he had already been president years ago, but found the weekend in Tacoma worthwhile. There was so much information that it was like trying to sip the water with a straw coming out of a fire hose. The three mandatory sessions were Membership,  Foundation, and Publicity. Brian noted that our Oak Bay membership has declined to 55 and that  membership would undoubtedly be a concern for us.

Our two main fundraisers...the Tuscan Dinner and the Concert are coming soon. He has budgeted $19,000 for the Tuscan Dinner and $6,000 for the Concert. International has spent most of their budget; Community has not yet spent theirs.

Neil Rawnsley: Foundation

Neil thanked those Paul Harris Fellows who continued to support the Foundation. He said that it would be unlikely that he would go to Malawi but the $100 a year from every Rotarian would make a great  difference. Neil read out the names of those who had earned additional Paul Harris recognition and President Joan made the presentations.

Don OCoffey    PH+1

Brian Lamb       PH+2

Ron Beyer         PH+2

Dallas Chapple  PH+2

Lorna Curtis      PH+2

Anne Sims         PH+3

Tricia Timmermans PH+3

Neil Rawnsley   PH+3

Jim Force           PH+4

Heather Aked    PH+4

Rod Sim            PH+6

Perry Bamji        PH+6

Vicki Pitt            PH+7

Tav McPherson  PH+7

Tom Croft          PH+7

Perry Bamji: International

This has been a successful year thanks to dedicated Rotrians. We have four current projects and six volunteers currently overseas...Tricia Timmermans, John Snively, Jacqeline Mealing, John Edgell, Mark Bedford, John Jordan.

Mexico: La Penita...install washrooms in the kindergarten and provide tank water on the roof. OB gave $2,500 of the $7,500 and provided sweat equity. Thanks to John Edgell who said the glow in the children's eyes made it all worthwhile

Guatemala: Lake Atitlan (Solola Department) ... provide dental equipment for a dental unit for remote villages.  OB gave $2,500 of $7,500. John Snively volunteered many hours of dental treatment assisted by Maria Consalvo (Certified Dental Assistant from Victoria), Tricia (who also did logistics, appointments, and database work), and Ursula Cumez Calabay, an indigenous young woman from Santa Catarina Palopo. Maria and Jacqueline gave lessons in dental hygiene.  Thanks to John, Jacqueline and Tricia of our club.

Rwanda: Fabrication of smokeless cooking stoves were a great boon in reducing respiratory problems. John Jordan taught students to make these stoves and they used the money they earned for their education. Thanks John.

India: In Cochin, toilets with a septic field were built. Mark and Jo Bedford travelled there just this week to see the project. OB gave $2,800 towards this project. Thanks Mark and Jo.

With all the projects, Perry emphasized the importance of matching grants and how working together brings great results. The $25,300 given by our club has generated over $50,000 worth of work...well done!

Community Service :  Peter Lawrie, Lori Mcleod

Youth Leadership...OB High School Interact Club is thriving with about 35 members. Their three project areas ar Rwanda and Malawi, the Memory Cafe,  and Kool Aid.

Memory Cafe is a joint project of Rotary and Eldercare. You are welcome to join the activities the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at Oak Bay Lodge.

The Selection Committee  has chosen some amazing students for attendance at RYLA and Adventures in Citizenship. Caitlin will be attending Adventures in Citizenship and Emma and Heather, currently in grade 12, were chosen for RYLA. Steven Wong is active in the UVic Rotaract.

Literacy: Thanks to the Thrifty Smile Card program and a generous anonymous donor we are able to buy another Smart Board. Giles Bixler and his committee will be allocating this Smartboard to either George Jay or Quadra School and will be inviting you to the presentation and demonstration.

Jim Force represents our club on the Literacy Round Table of Greater Victoria Clubs. Their book drive will be coming soon. We are currently supporting the 1,000x5 program (read every child 1,000 books by age 5) as early childhood literacy is so important for later cognitive development. The Roundtable also supports a First Nations video program encouraging literacy.

The Waterpark has been completed....OB Rotary contributed $28,000 for this upgrade. Volunteers will be needed end-April for the annual sprucing up of the Waterpark.

OB Rotary has been asked to help develop the Radcliffe Lane Park. The shape of this project will be determined by the new Municipal Council.

With the redevelopment of OB High School we expect to be involved with the development of the new Teen Centre located therein...we are awaiting clarification of what our role will be. 

The meeting concluded with the singing of the Royal Anthem (God save the Queen).

President Joan said she would see us all this Saturday March 24th at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church on Elgin Road for the Rotary Concert.

March 13, 2012 Bulletin Reported by Rod Sim

President Joan (Peggs) presiding.

“Literacy” is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts.

O Canada with Tom Lidkea.

Grace by Vicky Pitt.

Visiting Rotarians (none) and Guests (Graeme Kilshaw, Guest Speaker) by George Pritchard.

Bill Burns reminiscing on reading to children and grandchildren and having fun with “Bert” & “Ernie”

Peter Lawrie on tickets (perhaps to briefly)

Oak Bay Rotary Presents Opera Excerpts

Music from Spain & Italy

St Mary the Virgin Church

1701 Elgin Road

2:30 PM, Sunday, March 24, 2012

General Admission $25.00

Heather Aked on tickets (perhaps more vigorously).

Heather Aked on Thrifty Smile Cards and achieving this year’s fundraising goal.

Anne Sims selling bottles of Italian wine to Members to donate to the Tuscan Dinner scheduled for April 28, 2012.

Leslie Rogers-Warnock on raising funds by mentioning Rotary when making a purchase at Cobbs Bakery located at 2178 Oak Bay Avenue.

Neil Rawnsley as SAA/CB with mentions including Tom Croft, Lynne Murray, David Sills (follicular infraction of some sort), and Dallas Chapple (perhaps for vanity).

Mention of the pre-eminent status of the United Kingdom in connection with “Lego” closely followed by France.

Don’t forget Lorna Curtis in Asia.

Don’t forget John Jordan in Africa.

$2 from Neil Rawnsley for his telephonic infraction.

$2 from Heather Aked because Alexander is renting and playing cello.

And $2 from Tom Lidkea and $2 from Leslie Rogers-Warnock just because.

Mary Canty is green with “happiness” (fortunately not with “envy”); apparently this is some “Irish” feeling.

Brian Lamb suggested that perhaps all past presidents of our Club should pay a fine in connection with a mis-placed past president’s pin.

A dis-oriented Perry Bamji was wakened by a confused Mark Bedford after a 44-hour travel marathon to “Inja”

Guess who was happy about a $20,000 scholarship to UVic? Sorry I missed that. I would be happy to pay up if somebody catches me up on that reporting error.

Neil Madsen introduced the Guest Speaker – Graeme Kilshaw – to talk about Friendship Cube Meditation.

Graeme talked about: learning and sharing; literacy and numeracy; how the “friendship cube” replaces the “26 alphabet cubes” of our childhood; teaching practical skills with the “friendship cube”; smartphone applications; creativity and imagination; six lessons (after all, a cube has six sides); and “service above self” and its relation to the friendship cube. This project is continuing at the UVic English Language Centre. This reporter was confused about the topic and the presentation. You can find more information about Friendship Cube and Graeme Kilshaw by searching the internet. Jim Force tried valiantly to assist the speaker and the audience to “connect” but with limited success.

David Sills had the responsibility to thank the speaker. Thank you David for your humour and wit. You made the first reference of the day to a “cube” that this writer understood. Literacy is the ability to identify and communicate and our friend David did that with great skill.

Don’t forget that the District Leadership Training Assembly is coming up on March 31^st to April 1^st here in Victoria at the Hotel Grand Pacific. All members are encouraged to attend this worthwhile training conference. Registration is $90 and the Club has funds to assist Members to attend.

President Joan ended the meeting with God Save the Queen followed by the closing bell.

This report was prepared by Rod Sim.

Orange Pear Apple Bear is a book by Emily Gravett. It is just the kind of book that promotes parent-child bonding. Literacy begins with babies. The project 1000X5 is based on the belief that if a child hears 1000 books by age 5, he or she is much better prepared to enjoy and succeed in learning. If you are interested in donating your time or finances to this project, please contact our own Jim Force.

Bulletin, March 6, 2012 - Reported by David Westler

President Joan called the meeting to order at precisely 12:10 pm.

Our National Anthem, O Canada, was ably led by Tom Lidkea and Grace was said by Brian Lamb. Visitors and guests headed to the front of the line for lunch.

After enjoying a copious lunch, David Maxwell introduced our guest speaker Robert Bennett, VIATEC’s Launch Pad Program Manager; David Sills introduced his nephew. Jim Force presented the literacy program and the benefits for families and children. Jim encouraged our Club members to donate books to the Times Colonist annual book fair. Ron Cooley shared his childhood stories about reading and literacy.

Fines Master, Neil Rawnsley, did a 'fine' job of extracting money for our club coffers from each and every one of the present members, for good reasons, such as being late or being early, for remembering the main topics of the latest Rotarian magazine, etc. It was  all in good taste and humor and Sad Dollars were plentiful.

Jack Petrie displayed the Italian wine collection. The idea is we bring these selected bottles to the Tuscan Dinner. David Sills reminded us about raising funds via the concert led by Pablo.

Perry mentioned the progress of our International Services Projects from our Teams overseas, stressing a report about Guatemala from John Snively’s team via Tricia Timmermans about the amazing work done and what it means for the local people. In short, in six weeks, the dental team of John Snively, Tricia Timmermans, Maria Consalvo and Ursula Cumez Calabay, and assisted (especially in fundraising) by the very capable Jacqueline Mealing, completed the following on 178 different patients: 153 fillings, 73 extractions, 32 cleanings, and 6 sealants. There were only 12 patients seen who did not need dental work. A large part of the project involved Oral Health Instruction which was done in the clinic and followed up later by Jacqueline in the schools. 

David Maxwell introduced speaker Robert Bennett (LaunchPad Program Manager) of the The Victoria Advanced Technology Council (VIATeC). Robert presented the VIATeC Organization, founded in 1989 to promote and enhance the development of the local advanced technology industry.

Born in San Diego, California (yes, he’s a dual citizen), he attended elementary school in Honolulu, high school in Burlington, Ontario, and he now proudly calls Victoria his home along with his wife Carolyn and his two teenage children. Rob is a graduate from the University of Victoria's Computer Science program, He has founded and built a number of successful technology companies since then, and is the President and CEO of a publicly listed company. He has also invested in a number of companies, all of which are based on the SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) business model. Rob is an accredited Lead Mentor with the BCIC Mentor Program, and provides mentorship through other programs offered locally. He is active in the local community, and is a frequent lecturer and panelist at the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College business schools. He also serves, or has served on, a number of non-profit boards and committees.

The Greater Victoria tech sector has grown to over 800 known technology companies, employing more than 13,000 people and generating in excess of $1.95 billion in annual revenues with an economic impact of $2.65 billion, making advanced technology Greater Victoria's #1 private industry. Most recently VIATeC has been blanketing the city with messages about our diverse economy, and the career and investment opportunities within it via the “Tectoria” rebranding campaign. VIATeC is intended to be the first place that people contact for information or assistance related to advanced technology in Greater Victoria. VIATeC's membership, which currently stands at over 375 annually, elects VIATeC's Board of Directors, which in turn provides guidance to the Executive Director.

Bob reiterate that Microsoft will be opening a studio on Wharf Street downtown early in this year, designing games for its XBox console and other formats. The decision by Microsoft to open a game design studio in Victoria will have "a huge ripple effect" on technology and education in the city, he said.

He confirmed that Microsoft have brought in 30 people to Victoria and eventually will hire 30 more employees from the local pool of qualified people.

Giles Bixler  then presented Rob with the customary Oak Bay mug.

The club sang God Save the Queen and the meeting came to a close, but not the International Services Committee ... they stayed for their meeting!

Bulletin February 28, 2012

The Start Early Literacy Fundraiser goes through March. Check out the poster on OBR's home page. Or contact Jim Force for more details.


Meeting of February 28: President Joan called the meeting to order at precisely 12:15 pm. She then, and later, went into a diatribe about Sadie Hawkins Day on February 29th. The basis of Sadie Hawkins Day is that women and girls take the initiative in inviting the man or boy of their choice out on a date, typically to a dance attended by other bachelors and their aggressive dates. It apparently happens only on a leap day, i.e. February 29th, and started WAY back in 1937! If you feel you must know more about this Day, there's lots about it on the Internet!

O Canada was ably led by Tom Croft and Grace was said by Lynne Murray.

Renate advised the club via Health of the Club that Wolf Schopper is suffering from pneumonia and a card was sent around for everyone to sign and offering him a speedy recovery.

After enjoying a  barbecued chicken and salad lunch, PP Vicky was tasked to read the long list of Visiting Rotarians. After hearing none, she indicated that our speaker Geoff Dickson would be formally introduced prior to his presentation.

Celebrations Master, Jack Petrie, did a 'fine' job of extracting money for our club coffers: from Anne Sims for the exorbitant profits made by HSBC; Joan P. for her diatribe on the history of Sadie Hawkins; everyone for not having any guests at their table. Happy and Sad dollars were plentiful: Jim Force 'squealed' on Pablo for his spectacular Mexican dinner, his cooking skills and his wonderful playing after dinner; Lynne Murray for a happy retirement; Anne Sims celebrating a birthday on Friday made a welcome donation to the Rotary Foundation and also commented on how wonderful the Deep Purple concert was; Tav MacPherson for reluctantly watching the Oscars after agreeing with Diane that she puts up with every sport imaginable and it was HER turn to watch something she wanted to watch! (Good on you Diane!)

Joan Firkins spoke about the Tuscan Dinner & Fundraiser to be held April 28th at the Monterey Centre. There is lots to be done by all members to ensure we reach our fundraising goal of $25,000. An email was sent out to all club members Tuesday evening with all the details and what is required. Please see Anne Sims for tickets as soon as possible as we want a sell-out, preferably early in the process! Next week Anne and Jack will have bottles of wine on hand that members can purchase re their contribution.

Bob Schelle spoke about the Spring Concert and the need for promotion. Posters were on the tables and members were asked to take them and distribute where it was felt best to do the most good in selling tickets. The concert is on Saturday, March 24th, and, as with the Tuscan Dinner, everyone's assistance is required to make this event a success - fundraising goal is $8,000.

President Joan commented that Lorne Middleton from Oak Bay Parks and Recreation recently retired and he had expressed to her that the efforts of our club with regard to the overall maintenance of the Rotary Water Park are very much appreciated.

Tav gave a short promo for the upcoming District events: DLTA March 31/April 1st; and District Conference June 22-24th. You can register for both events online at http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/home.aspx?did=5020

Corey Burger introduced speaker Geoff Dickson of the Victoria Airport Authority.

Geoff gave a very interesting talk about the current and future plans of the airport. The Victoria Airport Authority commenced April 1, 1997, and is currently under a 60-year lease plus a 20-year option. The airport pays rent to the Federal Government based on a percentage of the revenue taken in by the airport. Victoria's airport is the smallest of the 'larger' airports in Canada, but by comparison is the largest of the Tier 2 airports (based on traffic volume). Revenue is derived from landing fees, general terminal charges, concessions, rentals, and airport improvement fees. The airport is currently operating on a $6M profit annually which becomes the capital reinvested in the airport itself. Victoria's AIF ( airport improvement fee) is $10 re all outgoing passengers and is one of the lowest in the country. For example Toronto's fee is $30. 

From his talk, it is obvious the Airport Authority Board is committed to the local community and the environment surrounding the airport, which came through loud and clear. Extended bike and walking paths around the airport perimeter are all in the works. Considerable terminal improvements are also planned for September 2012 including improvement of congestion in the terminal building to make a more logical flow for everyone. There will be more retail stores added, food and beverage will be outsourced to local businesses rather than company chains, and security line-ups will be improved to make circulation around the airport more intuitive. Geoff also talked about new flying routes that are planned, including non-stop routes. He had previously explained that the growth seen in the airport over the past 2 or 3 years is as a result of the addition of non-stop flights. He concluded by stating the Vision of the Victoria Airport Authority: To be the best airport anywhere.

Geoff was thanked by Leslie Rogers-Warnock who said she loved the Victoria airport and was looking forward to seeing the new improvements as they emerge. She then presented Geoff with the customary Oak Bay mug and told him to stick his pens in it!

The club sang God Save the Queen and the meeting came to a close, slightly over time!