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.