February 26 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Program for February 26, 2013. 

Reporter David Sills. 

Photos by David Sills and Jack Petrie

Standing Room Only                                  

A pleasant surprise as President Joan had to delay proceedings until the Oak Bay Beach Hotel brought in an additional table to accommodate the many visiting Rotarians and guests.

Grace, as provided by Hans Ockermueller, reminded us of our obligation to always be ready to be of service to all in need.

Our many visitors were introduced by Leslie Rogers-Warnock:

Rotarians - Sherry Moyer (Sidney) and Colin Smith and Christopher Causton (Harbourside).

        Colin is a Past-President of our Club.

Guests

David Warnock and Joyce and Don Rogers  (Leslie Rogers-Warnock)

Jean Lawrie and Jim and Judy Sidberry (Peter Lawrie)

Don Thompson (Wolf Schopper)

Colleen Force (Jim Force)

Jan Bueller, Art Raven and Tara Douglas from B.C. Guide Dog Services

And our very Special Guest pictured below. 

New Rotarian Sabrina Corraini

A special event today as Tom Croft, Barry Mutter and President Joan inducted Sabrina as a new member of the Oak Bay Rotary Club. Here we see Sabrina welcomed by our genial President at an earlier meeting in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. 

Petrie Dishes

Our Sgt-at-Arms welcomed new member Sabrina (right) by assessing her a modest fine, then went at the rest of us with a vengeance, including anyone not attending the upcoming DLTA meeting and the Fireside Soiree at his home on March 15. He concluded with a shaggy tale about a talking dog put up for sale. Sadly (or not) this reporter missed the ESL punch-line. Wendy Townsend paid a happy dollar to announce her pending holiday in Mexico then drew the white marble to win the draw proceeds to finance her vacation.

Recognitions                                                

Foundation: Neil Rawnsley announced that the Foundation has a new Major Donor in the person of Neil Madsen. In accepting congratulations, Neil M pointed out his personal satisfaction with the work of the organization in particular the results from the polio elimination project.

Years Of Service: Brian Lamb is now a thirty-eight year member of this Club

Announcements

The Tuscan Dinner: Ron Cooley reminded members of this major Club fundraiser on April 27 and urged members to each contribute a bottle of Italian wine for table center-pieces and for the auction.

Rotary Literary Fireside: Jim Force announced an evening gathering at Berwick House at 4680 Elk Lake Drive on March 5 to discuss Rotary literacy projects.

B.C. Guide Dog Services

Wolf Shopper introduced our guest speaker, Jan Buehler, Manager of Development and Communications. Jan was accompanied by trainers Art Raven and Tara Douglas with the current dogs under their care in the training program. Their mandate is to provide, at no cost, trained guide dogs for blind and visually-impaired residents of B.C. 

The first step  involves the breeding, raising and training of suitable dogs. An in-house breeding program is maintained in Delta, where Labrador and Golden Retrievers are bred. These dogs make good guides being gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured. All puppies are then raised in the homes of volunteer ’Puppy Raisers’, where they learn basic obedience skills. At 15 months of age, they enter advanced training and work with a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. After 4 months, the dogs are ready to meet their new owners. A three-week training course is held at the person’s home by the Instructor in order that the dog and the new owner can train on familiar ground.

 

The organization also provides dogs for autistic children. It takes up to two years and a cost of $20,000 to produce each autism-support dog. The dog provides a calming influence as well as a safeguard for the child when in public places. One should read the testimonials in ‘Paw Prints’, their official newsletter, to get a better appreciation of the value of this program.

Peter Lawrie thanked Jan and her team for their presentation. He and Jean, as well as his sister and brother-in-law, are dog owners and have been waiting impatiently for this day. He also learned a new expression “intelligent disobedience” which he suggested could be applied to our sergeant-at-arms.

This most enjoyable meeting was closed all too soon by President Joan at 1:30 pm.

Oak Bay Rotary proudly presents Tom Lidkea!                          

February 19 Meeting report

Bulletin report by  Neil Rawnsley. Photos by Neil Rawnsley and David Sills

We were warmly greeted by Lori McLeod and Phil Neroutsos. Lynne Murray took our lunch money and Ted Chambers solicited for the draw.

President Joan welcomed all to the meeting and highlighted the work of the Rotary Action Group For Peace, an action-driven group of Rotarians, Rotarians’ family members and Rotaractors working together for the purpose of advancing world peace. As a resource to Rotary clubs and districts the Rotarian Action Group For Peace will engage in projects by supporting the peace work of the more than 34,000 clubs worldwide.

O Canada was followed by Grace by Lori McLeod.

Phil Neroutsos introduced our vistors: Kate Clarke, a guest of Jack Petrie, Sabrina Corraini who will be inducted as our newest member next week, and our guest speaker Tricia Stringfellow (pictured at right).

Annoucements:

Heather Aked reminded us that the February 26th meeting will be at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel with the guest speaker from BC Guide Dogs. A puppy will be present. 

Anne Sims promoted the Tuscan dinner coming up April 27^th. Auction items are requested and you are expected to provide a bottle of “Italian” wine. If you are selection challenged, just give Anne $20 and the committee will make the selection.

Jim Force promoted the upcoming Fireside (not to be confused with the club Fireside) of the Literacy Roundtable March 5^th at Berwick House in Royal Oak.  It will be a Book Recycling Kickoff and a presentation on Aboriginal Literacy, a program of the Royal Oak Club. He also suggested it was an opportunity for those of us in advanced years to consider our housing options.

Sergeant at Arms:

Jack Petrie provided a moment of levity with a joke about a duck, post office and appropriately CORN then stumped all with a quiz as to which country is the 6^th largest exporter of electronics in the world – Mexico, and largest producer of coconuts – Phillipines.

Happy birthday to Wynn Taylor and congratulations to Eugen Bannerman on his two years with the club.

Happy bucks included birthday salutations for parents of Vicky Pitt (88) (pictured above with David Sills) and Dallas Chapple (95). Peter Lawrie returned from PETS with the encouraging news that Polio is “that close” to being eradicated.

Ron Cooley won the draw but not the white marble.

Guest Speaker:  Introduced by Mary Canty.

Guest Speaker, Tricia Stringfellow, centre, with President Joan Peggs, left, and  Vicky Pitt, right, who thanked the speaker.

Tricia Stringfellow is a military wife with two grown children and has been with the Oak Bay News for 2 years.  With a background in marketing from BCIT, Tricia has an extensive and interesting resume which includes administrative positions with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Tourism for the city of Edmonton and marketing and fundraising in BC for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. After relocating to Victoria, Tricia is now employed by Black Press, a major firm publishing community newspapers and a handful of daily newspapers in Canada and the US.  As the sales representative for the Oak Bay News, Tricia works with small businesses providing advertising and marketing support with the assistance of a creative department. Tricia informed us of the numerous feature supplements and publications which are part of the community newspapers of Black Press. They produce the Oak Bay Recreation Guide, the newly started “Tweed” magazine devoted entirely to Oak Bay content, the “Best in the City” supplement along with supplements for Women in Business,  Homes, etc. Whatever the message, she works with the creative department to meet the needs of the advertiser. With over 1,200 carriers and a circulation of approximately 57,000 households in the Greater Victoria area, it is a large operation.

As a community newspaper they are receptive to receiving story ideas, and Tricia, with an extensive network of community contacts, can work with groups on events to ensure success.

Vicky Pitt thanked the speaker for a wonderful and informative talk which encompassed volunteering and connecting businesses in the community.

The meeting closed with the singing of God Save the Queen.

Who's the handsome looking fellow below?

February 12 meeting

Bulletin report by  David Westler. Photos by Jack Petrie.

President Joan opened the meeting at 12:15 - right on time. With this month's theme of World Understanding  in mind she spoke about how we work together for a more peaceful world by bringing water, health, education, and hope to the people who need it most, continuing our contribution to a more compassionate and generous world. With the International- and Community-based projects we do, Rotary is helping alleviate some of these problems. We are blessed.

The President’s welcome and a comment of the day was a poignant reminder of the monthly theme:

“If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world; if you have money in the bank, your wallet and some spare change, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy; if you woke up this morning with more health than illness you are more blessed than the million people who will not survive the week; if you have never experienced the danger of battle, the agony of imprisonment or torture or the horrible pangs of hunger, you are luckier than 500 million people alive and suffering; if you can read this message you are more fortunate that 3 billion people if the world who cannot read at all”

O Canada, was sung with Tom Lidkea on the piano and Grace was said by Rod Sim.

Pablo Diemecke introduced the visiting Rotarian: Russ Kinghorn (left), of the Rotary Club of Cranbrook, and our Guest Speaker, Jamie Hubik.

Announcements:

President Joan made an announcement on behalf of Lori McLeod about two students looking for a ride to Washington State. She reminded us that the February 26 Club meeting would take place at the Oak Bay Hotel.

Health of the Club:

Mary Canty reported that John Snively and Jacqueline Mealing are doing a great job in Guatemala in hygiene education. David Philip is improving. Donna Chow's baby has purple crying, formerly known as colic.  Mary and Eugen visited Ted Harrison after the meeting of February 5^th. Ted was thrilled to see  them, appreciated the card with signatures; would like others to visit. He missed Rotary

Who is this?

 President Joan asked members to participate in identifying the club member from the description she was about to read; there was a $1 to be added to the kitty if a person did not know the member. She read an excerpt and asked the member to stand up. Mark Bedford stood up!

Fines master: Jack Petrie

Jack established a lucrative “fines” rapport with the audience in a good natured humour; unfortunately the attendance at today’s Club meeting was almost half the usual. Jack enlightened us on the history of St. Valentine's Day; we learned the celebration contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "Valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement.

The Draw:

The visiting Rotarian, Russ Kinghorn, had the lucky ticket but was betrayed by the mischievous marble. 

Guest Speaker:

Brian Lamb introduced the Guest Speaker, Jamie Hubik, Regional Director of Philanthropy at Opportunity International Canada. 

Founded in 1971, Opportunity International is a registered Canadian charity that provides small business loans, savings, insurance and training to over two million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world. Clients in over 20 countries use these services to start or expand a business, provide for their families, create jobs for their neighbors and build a safety net for the future. Jamie mentioned the work done in Cartagena, Colombia and in Mozambique, Africa.

The Opportunity International mission is to provide opportunities for people in chronic poverty to transform their lives. The organization believes that small-scale entrepreneurs can be big change agents in overcoming global poverty.

The organization's strategy is to create jobs, stimulate small businesses and to strengthen communities among the poor. The method used is to work through their indigenous partners to provide micro finance services, training and counsel.

Bob Schelle (above left) thanked the speaker.

The meeting was closed with Tom Lidkea on the piano leading us in God Save the Queen.

Meeting of February 5

Reported by Dave Maxwell

Opening:

President Joan opened meeting at 12:15 - right on time. A rousing version of O Canada without Tom, followed by Grace from Mary.

Visitors and Guests:
John Jordan introduced the visiting Rotarians and Guests: 

·                Gem Munroe, Speaker

·                Don Thompson, guest of Wolf

·                Sabrina Corraini, Guest 

·                Patricia Jutras of Caboro Bay Books. Mother of the former Interact President Claire.

Health of the Club:

Mary Canty reported there is an opportunity to Visit Ted Harrison.

Announcements:

·      Joan needs some volunteers for the Polio Light-up on the buildings of Uptown.  This will occur on Feb23 in this third year for us. The event celebrate the 108 years of Rotary and brings awareness to the Polio objectives around the world. Joan needs  two shifts of volunteers.

   

·    The DLTA is coming. Its always a great event and we are encouraging many of our members to go. The Club will even help fund the 90$ reg fee!!!! All information including registration can be found at this link. 

·      Notice was given of a Membership Proposal for Sabrina Corrainia; membership has been accepted by the Board. She will be inducted next week, we hope! Please see bio in the January 22, 2013 Bulletin.

        

       Mary has invites for her Tea Party. Please see Mary.

Fines' Master Perry Bamji.

 Perry was very adept at extracting PENNIES from the crowd on the day that Pennies will no longer be  made. Fines were levied for not shaking the Phantom handshaker  (Pablo), for having no guest at a table, for poor grammar in the Tuscan evening invite, and more.  Tom Croft paid his fine in Pennies, of course.

Club Anniversaries: 10 years for Jack, again.

Holidays: John Jordan is off to Rwanda (but should hardly be called a holiday).

Birthdays:  David Philip and Neil Madsen

Happy Sad $s: Jessica for Marys tea party; Jack's Choir flash mob success; Mr Bannermans return to our Club after a leave!!, Jim force for a new Granddaughter on the way; and John for heading off to Rwanda again.

 The Draw, Neil Rawnsleys guest wins the 110$ last week and this week Neil wins the 11$ - no white marble.

The Oak Bay Rotary Club Foundation AGM occurred after the meeting. Minutes, agenda and the treasurer's report were all approved. Jack Petrie stepped down as a director and Heather Aked has stepped forward. The other Directors are Tav, Rod, Victoria, Dave Maxwell,  and immediate past president (John Edgell until June 30^th). We currently have about 25k in the Foundation which will be used over the coming years to provide for scholarships etc., to further educational initiatives.

Guest Speaker, Gem Munro, introduced by Neil Madsen.

  

Gem Munro operates the Amarok Society. He gave a wonderfully eloquent summary of what he and his team have accomplished in the slums of Bangladesh over the past 8 years and some 14 new schools since. He has copies of his book for sale. Below is a summary of his objectives and story.

Gem teaching teachers in Bangladesh

The Amarok Society brings a revolutionary solution to a chronic humanitarian problem. What do you do in a land where there is no money to build schools for the millions of uneducated children? How do you reach into the hearts of destitute communities to inspire lasting change in a way that’s sustainable and cost-effective? How do you counteract primitive extremism where fundamentalist fanatics have enjoyed free reign?

The Amarok Society effects miraculous changes in the lives of thousands of Bangladeshi children through our unusual and daring design for educating the dwellers of desperately poor slums. It teaches uneducated mothers how to read and write, and then teaches the mothers to be neighbourhood teachers – educating their own and their neighbours’ children every day in their homes, with astonishing results.

We teach very poor mothers how to read and write in their local language, we teach them English (necessary in South Asia for economic advancement) and teach them math. We also teach them life skills such as health, nutrition, child care and conflict resolution. The mothers, many of whom have never before even held a pencil, attend school every day for 2 hours. Teachers, recruited from nearby neighbourhoods and trained by AS, use accelerated learning methods (using songs, drama, games). Neighbourhood houses (rooms) are used as schools. The mothers are then trained to become teachers of their own and their neighbours’ children, developing some of the learning materials themselves for use with the children. The small schoolrooms, when not being used for mothers’ classes, are used by the women to discuss issues of importance, as determined by them, and as a place for cottage industry work to increase family income.

Working from the centre of the family out using accelerated learning methods (songs, pictures, drama) is a highly effective approach. Mothers come to understand and value education – learn how to create a positive learning environment for children, and they come to make better decisions in many areas for the family. Several mothers have reported that they can now make better sense of their world and have become more highly-valued within their own homes and in the community.

This link takes you to Amarok's donation page.