ROTARY CLUB OF OAK BAY Weekly Bulletin, 28th May, 2013.

In case you missed it, here's the link to the Times Colonist "Good Neighbours: Flying flag raises funds for Rotary" article that helped our club's Canada Flag Program get off to a great start!

Meeting of May 28 reported by Mark Bedford. Photos by Bob Schelle.

Jim L. and Wynn T. on the cash desk

President Joan called the meeting to order right on time.  Most of the members responded by giving Joan their full attention. A small minority continued to chatter amongst themselves. Most annoying!  Sometimes we Rotarians need to ask ourselves: “Is it fair to all concerned?” Certainly, idle chatter when the President has taken the floor is not fair to the Prez. or to other members.  (At least, that is how this grouchy old scribe feels.) With Tom Lidkea playing the piano, we did manage to all “get on the same page” (or note) for “O Canada”.

The Invocation, given by David Westler, was well spoken and stimulated within us the “attitude of gratitude”.

Visitors:  Perry Bamji introduced our one guest, Jeremy Walden, who was warmly welcomed by hearty applause.

Health of the Club:  Mary Canty brought us up to date on Hans Ockermueller’s health.  He is slowly recovering, but still having daily help from home nursing. He still has some chemo treatments to come.  Members wishing to visit should contact his wife, Lesley, at 381-4856 to check on a convenient time.  The Club Executive voted to send a food package which was much appreciated.

INSTALLATION DINNER:  Heather circulated a sign-up sheet. It will be held on June 11^th at 6.00p.m. and it is a Buffet Dinner at the Gorge Vale Golf Club.  Tickets are $45.00. All Club Members should make an effort to attend as it a great chance to dress up at bit, meet the new Board, say goodbye and thanks to President Joan, and welcome new President, Peter Lawrie, while having a fun night with your fellow club members.

Neil

Rotary Foundation:  Neil Rawnsley noted that last year our club was best in the District for donations to the Foundation. This year there are many who have not made a donation, and Neil encouraged all members to donate to the Foundation as it is the basis of so much of the great work achieved by Rotary.

Meeting Venue:  Joan reported that the result of the survey regarding the venue was overwhelmingly in favour of returning to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. No date was mentioned for the change-over.

Heather fined a number of members – early leavers, late arrivals, name badge offenders, ignorance of Rotarian Magazine details, and various other “misdemeanours” – and there were happy and sad and birthday dollars.  Jack won the draw, but not the correct marble.

Guest Speaker: Our own John Jordan (otherwise known as Mr. Rwanda) was ably introduced by Ron Beyer (left). John is a man of many talents, and he says: “I began my working career in an orphanage in Chicago and it seems I will end it with Rwandan orphans.”  In 2009 John was looking for a new life direction and he founded a grass roots humanitarian project in Rwanda. The goal is to improve living conditions and education for the rural poor, focusing on widows and orphans. John sees Rwanda as a “beacon of hope” in Africa, and an extraordinary example of peace and security. There is a real commitment to renewal and a real hope of a strong economy. Rwandans are very protective of their widows and orphans.

John Jordan

If a project or program works well for the widows and orphans, then the whole community is blessed. John has helped to develop a small industry of making smokeless stoves. Made from river-bed clay, they are simple to make. Local groups are now producing them in the 100’s. Not only do the stoves produce far more intense heat than the open fires that they used previously, but they also burn 50 to 60% less wood. Schooling is also improving and scholarships are being provided to help as many children as possible complete their education. A scholarship covers room, board and tuition and costs about $250 a year. Students are mostly from single parent homes, and there is a fairly even split of male/female students. John’s passion for the Rwandan project is very evident, and

The meeting closed with G.S.T.Q.

OAK BAY ROTARY CLUB BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY MAY 21, 2013

Reported by Eugen Bannerman

Wilmot Place, Oak Bay. Photo by Dave Maxwell.

President Joan Peggs called the meeting to order by proudly telling us of the many flags that were distributed this Victoria Day weekend throughout Oak Bay and area, and that it truly represents our commitment to Community, which is this month’s Rotary theme. View Flag Photos Here.

After O Canada, and Grace by Joan Firkins, guests and visitors were invited to the head of the food line. Heather Aked introduced two visiting Rotarians, Derek Rickwood, of Nanaimo North, and David Sheppard, of Qualicum Beach, and John Whittaker, a guest of Joan Peggs.

Mary Canty reported that Hans Ockermueller is at home but continues to be very ill, and that his wife Lesley, feels he is really too tired to receive visitors. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wynn Taylor reported that there was really not enough Club interest in helping out at the Oak Bay Tea Party, so we will bow out of it this year.

Eugen Bannerman mentioned that Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s summer season will begin in two weeks, that the Oak Bay Rotary Club has two members on the Blue Bridge Board of Directors, himself and Jerry McLean, and that this year his wife Iris MacGregor Bannerman was invited by Director Brian Richmond to audition for two plays, Uncle Vanya, and My Fair Lady. 

FINES MASTER Lori McLeod continued with her usual whimsical charm as she fined Jack Petrie for being on the front page of the Times Colonist this week, but made no mention of Rotary; all those not wearing ties (the majority, it seemed); all those not watching the Victoria Parade yesterday (again, it seemed the majority); since all our guests ended up at one table, all the others at the table paid a dollar fine. Lori congratulated Jim Force for having a wedding anniversary this week, to which he called out, “Thanks for reminding me.”

Neil Rawnsley fondly remembered Helen Beirnes who passed away recently. She was a member of Oak Bay Rotary and was the first female President of the club.

Mary Canty won the 50/50 draw, but drew the black marble.

FINANCES were reported by Anne Sims. We are basically “on budget” about our revenue, about use of our Foundation money, about our expenditures. Our Tuscany Dinner made about $22,000, but may be less when all expenses paid. Details were provided in a handout.

Allenby Street. Photo by Don O'Coffey

Peter Lawrie, President-elect, wanted to know the Club’s feelings about a number of FUNDRAISING issues, primarily, what percentage of our money should go to local projects, and what for international projects? Opinions varied greatly. The consensus seemed to be around 39% of total budget for local projects, 39% international assistance, and the rest Other. Comments included: “We don’t want to tie ourselves down to set figures.” As for new FUNDRAISING PROJECTS, most people agreed our new FLAG PROJECT has proven highly successful. Joan Peggs, who helped install many of the 100 flags, thanked those who bought and put out flags. “Don O’Coffey’s street  (photo above) really looked grand.” Interest has already ignited for next year. Peter Lawrie introduced the idea of a Crazy Dog Show as a fundraiser. The discussion ended on a positive, practical note: “Whoever gets a project going, should be supported by our club.”

A ROTARY MINUTE 

Joan Peggs read a letter of thanks from Marilyn Campbell, Principal of L’Ecole Quadra School. Using the $1,000 Thrifty Foods Smile Card money and $2,500 of Oak Bay Rotary club funds, a donation was made enabling the school to purchase document cameras and LCD projectors for use within the school. 

The letter included the following: "An old Hebrew proverb says: Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time.

It takes a village to raise a child and thanks for continuing to be part of our village!"

After the singing of The Queen, the meeting adjourned.

Meeting of Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Held at Recreation Oak Bay - Reported by Rod Sim - Meeting photos by Bob Schelle.

The “theme” for the month of May is “COMMUNITY”.

Greeters Anne Sims and Peter Sou were there on time to welcome you.

So, what does “community” mean? It means many things and we were reminded many times during the meeting. And we are reminded by the photo above: Rotarians Wynn, John, Joan, Don with Chris Hyde-Lay of Oak Bay Parks, were hard at it at the Carnarvon Rotary Water Park last weekend, getting it ready for the kids for summer. 

President Joan read a letter from one of Don O’Coffey’s neighbours. The letter expressed appreciation for Don’s neighbourly invitation to join Rotary to celebrate and demonstrate pride in the ROTARY CANADA FLAG PROGRAM. The letter went on to explain the writer’s life-long association with and admiration for Rotary’s involvement in community life both local and international. The letter was a spectacular reminder of how one small gesture by one Rotarian can produce an amazing result that we can all be proud of. Thank you Don and . . . Way to go!!! Above photo has Bob, Jim, Vicky and Brian out selling flag subscriptions last weekend. Thanks to Joan P for the photos. 

No piano, or more accurately, no Tom Lidkea to play ‘same’. Pretty good “O Canada” at the beginning and fair “God Save the Queen” at the end. Guess we could survive without our long-time pianist, but I missed him anyway.

Anne Sims welcomed “Grace” to the meeting and Peter Sou introduced the other Guests and Visiting Rotarian:

1. Joan Takenaka from Rotary Club of Chemainus;
2. Peter Pollen, former Rotarian and guest of Peter Sou;
3. Maureen Madsen, daughter and guest of Neil Madsen. 

Hans Ockermueller is resting at home and recovering from his recent visit to the hospital; we send him our “Best Wishes”. 

Neil Rawnsley (left) reported that 37 members have already cast their ballot for a decision between Recreation Oak Bay and Oak Bay Beach Hotel as the regular meeting place for the Rotary Club of Oak Bay for the next three (?) years. All members are encouraged to assist the Club with this important decision.

Jim Force talked about “Peace Arch News” and the SELL-OUT (almost) of the Rotary Canada Flag Program. A total of 100 Canadian flags a-top individual flag-poles will appear on lawns and gardens from Oak Bay to Brentwood Bay  to Duncan (yup; I said Duncan and I meant Duncan) on three summer week-ends: Victoria Day; Canada Day; and Labour Day. If you missed out on this proud community event and if you would like to participate then just call Jim Force or Joan Peggs and we will try to fit you in. Oh by the way, the rental cost for a Canada Flag on its own pole for three summer weekends is only $50 for the year.

Wynn Taylor made a plea for volunteers for the Oak Bay Tea Party which is only two weekends away (Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, June 2nd at Willows Beach). Please contact Wynn or Will if you can help. Some of the jobs that need to be done are set up and take down, cleaning equipment, making cotton candy, popping corn, and just having a ton of fun.

Lori McLeod is Mistress Fines; I mean Lori is the Fines Mistress for the month (a whole month?) of May.

So, there is Community Awareness Month. And there is ALS Awareness Month. And there is Asthma Awareness Month. And, if you can believe Mistress Lori, there are many more “themes” being celebrated this month.

An important milestone in the life of a famous couple. I have listened to Will Carter’s proud and celebratory comments about his “famous” parents for many years. This time he is (appropriately) bragging about their 70^th (that’s right; more than 69 years) wedding anniversary. That is an amazing accomplishment that shows perseverance and determination. Maybe we should invite Will’s parent’s to a (not too distant) future meeting to share their strategies and tactics for a long a happy life.

Happy Birthday to David Maxwell et al who are celebrating birthdays this week. Once again Tom was missing in action but we managed to do pretty well without him.

Lori and Lynne!

So, the lovely and exceedingly lucky Lynne Murray held the winning ticket for the 50/50 draw. Number ‘198’ allowed her the opportunity to try for the ‘magic’ marble and, true to form, she was a WINNER. She won the whole enchilada. Not that anybody could tell us how much that was. But I imagine that she is now comfortably well off. I certainly hope that CRA doe not find out about this new-found wealth.

Wendy Townsend (no relation to Peter Townsend) introduced the Guest Speaker. Our Guest came a very great distance to be with us; all the way from Guatemala (and Victoria) to tell us about a spectacular international project supported by Vancouver Island Rotary Clubs and Rotarians. Our Guest Speaker (our very own) Jacqueline Mealing has bee travelling back and forth to Guatemala for 20+ years. She started with a description of a little girl’s family and home 20 years ago: a house with the princely dimensions of 8 feet by 4 feet; a widowed grandma, a widowed mother, and a little girl and her brother all sleeping in a single bed. Fast forward 20 years. Add education and teachers and motivated volunteers from Vancouver Island and you get sustainable improvement. What have they done. Well, they built latrines. They combated infection. They planned and executed better nutrition. They built energy-efficient stoves. They renovated broken-down homes. They replaced the bucket of water with a crude shower. They offered dental hygiene. They cared for disabled children and their adult caregivers. They supported traditional weaving and found new retail market to exploit. They taught women and men, young and not so young about family planning and responsibility. They helped to teach and feed a proud but mal-nourished local population. In short, they have been all about “Bringing Hope to Guatemala”.

So, what could we do to help? Probably a lot. Even a little help, like subsidizing the rent for a local community centre for women (at $600 per year) would be greatly appreciated by local Rotary volunteers and make a tangible difference in the life of the local population. I am sure that all members in attendance would like to thank Jacqueline for her presentation and for the contribution that she has been making for so many years. Just another example of what “community” is all about. Did you notice that the story bore a striking resemblance to John Jordan’s stories from Africa? Did you notice that with a little Rotary Ingenuity that a little money can go a long way to making a better community “there” and “here”. Giles Bixler (above) thanked the Guest Speaker on behalf of the Club and that’s the end of our report.

Meeting at the Rec Centre, May 7, 2013. Induction of Gianfranco Mosca

Reporter: Peter Johannknecht

Greeters were Perry Bamji and Neil Rawnsley. Grace was led by Neil. Tom L. accompanied the large group (40+) in singing O Canada.

Guests: Assistant Governor, Hugh Robertson and Gianfranco Mosca, although it was his last day as a "guest" of this club, as he was inducted today. President Joan Peggs welcomed back Corey Burger after a leave of absence.
Health of the Club: Mary Canty sadly reported that Hans Ockermueller is not doing well and his wife Lesley is setting up hospice at home. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. Lesley will let us know if and when visits are possible.

Gianfranco, Sabrina, Hugh Robertson and President Joan

President Joan asked Lynne Murray, Sabrina Corraini and Gianfranco Mosca to the podium. Sabrina had introduced Gianfranco as a guest when she was still a guest of the club herself. Gianfranco is the General Manager of Veritalia and his category is “Chef - Business Owner”. Perry Bamji and Tricia Timmermans welcomed him by reading the preamble of Rotary and emphasizing the core values of our club. After a rousing standing ovation of all members, Gianfranco thanked the club with a big smile. Gianfranco will be a member of the Public Relations Committee. Assistant Governor Hugh Robertson took advantage of this special occasion by awarding Sabrina with a pin showing a torch, recognizing her effort to introduce a new member so quickly. Only 15% of Rotarians bring in new members, a low number we could all work on increasing.

Sabrina Corraini, our previous newest member, pins Gianfranco Mosca, our newest member.

Announcements:

Neil Rawnsley summarized the final work of the ‘New Venue’ Committee, finalizing the information for voting on where the club will meet in the future: The Oak Bay Beach Hotel or the Oak Bay Rec. Centre. Bob Schelle, together with Lori McLeod, Brian Lamb, Neil Rawnsley and Barry Mutter have established a RFP since last October to request fair and comparable proposals from both venues. The responses are summarized in one spreadsheet. All active members of the club will receive an email from David Stock, acting as the ‘Returning Officer’. He will send and receive the relevant information and votes.  Two weeks of response time should be sufficient for all members to cast their votes. President Joan thanked the committee members for all of their hard work and efforts to manage and delegate this process. President Joan also thanked all the members who vigorously put their time and skills towards the huge success of the Tuscan Dinner. A report on the final numbers will follow soon.

John Jordan is currently organizing a plant sale with his wife Toni this coming weekend. It is a perfect time to add some blooming beauties to your yard. So please go and buy Fri, Sat & Sun from 10am-2pm at 178 Beach Drive. All proceeds go to orphans and widows in Rwanda! Find out more here or phone John and Toni at 250 598 9739.

HELP NEEDED:

Wynn Taylor is reminding the club that the Oak Bay Carnarvon Rotary Water Park will get cleaned this weekend. Sweat $$$ are required and please come this Saturday at 9AM to help out. The more the merrier!

The OB Tea Party is coming up fast and Will Carter is not able to do it all alone. He needs at least 2 more to help organize the event, which has been a big success over the last years.

Don O’Coffey is asking for help with the flag project. There are only 24 left! He mentioned how wonderful the concept of placing flags in someone’s front yard is and how it is building a community.

As Fines Master, Lori McLeod improvised quickly by pulling loonies from almost every member. Remember to take ‘The Rotarian’ out of the plastic. It will save you some $ next week. Bill Burns won with ticket #145.  To add more funds, Brian Lamb auctioned off a Cobbs Bakery bag with coupons for 2 cinnamon buns for an incredible $7. Vicky Pitt and Wolf Schopper were bidding on pierced earrings. Vicky won with $20 out of her pocket. Make sure that you comment on this fine jewelry next week. Will Carter bought a pass to Butchart Garden worth $28 for $10.

Wolf Schopper introduced Peter Lawrie who was speaking about “Fun-draising”. His 20-minute presentation had to be compressed into 8 minutes since time is always running faster than we think. The main message was to take the ‘Dread’ out of Fun'D'raising and to focus on the purpose of contributing to the community AND having some fun. It was amazing to hear that our club has, to date, raised over $660,000 with an almost even 50/50 contribution to local and international projects. A quick table vote revealed that the majority seems content with this ratio. Our annual FUNraising target of approximately $35,000 is a number most members were comfortable with.

Meet our newest member, Gianfranco Mosca

 

The meeting closed with God Save the Queen.