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!