The Rotary Club of Oak Bay - meeting of August 6, 2013 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Reported by Jessica Van der Veen

Under the Chandeliers in the David Foster Foundation Theatre

Tom Croft was at the sign-in table, handling the cash with his usual good cheer. Thanks Tom! David forgot to activate the winning numbers on my draw ticket.  Thanks anyway David, just for being you.

Peter Lawrie began his President’s Welcome by reminding us that August is Membership Month – excellent timing seeing that our members brought a fine assortment of guests. Holly Jones (our Guest Speaker - Bob Schelle); Ryan Gisler (Tom Croft); Janna Malo (Tom again!); Mark Mawhinney (Joan Peggs); Richard Acomba (Joan again!); Dale Armstrong (Lori McLeod); & Jim Siberry (Peter Lawrie). 

Peter reminds us that membership has two elements – recruitment and also the engagement of members we already have. This is a good time to think about how you could intensify your engagement as a club member as we head into the fall. Speak to Claire and Barry if you have ideas to share – they are putting the final touches on our new membership plan.

Oh Canada just ain’t the same without you, Tom Lidkea.  Main thing:  We are in the spirit.  Happy Birthday to Peter as well.

Lunch:  Who wants more of those thin baked cheese wafers that garnished the salad? 

Health of the Club:  Mary Canty (who does a marvellous job of tracking us all) reminded us that a Memorial Service will be held for Hans Ockermueller (wife Lesley) this Thursday at McCall’s. To date, 24 club members will be in attendance.  Newell Morrison, also a Rotarian (retired), (wife Marg), helped found the Oak Bay Probus Club when Probus was only for retired Rotarians who lost their category when they retired! His service is to be held next week at McCall’s, either Monday or Wednesday; the obituary will be in the Times Colonist this weekend.

Joan Firkins spoke with pride about our club’s history of nurturing leadership in Rotary. The next wave begins with Lorna Curtis’ stint as our new Assistant Governor for district 4A. Brava and thanks for your service Lorna!

John Jordan’s Rwanda project received a matching community grant of $5,000. This will rebuild the houses of 20 widows and build 5 experimental eco-toilets. When John’s project is complete, the district will pay ½ of its cost.  Bonus:  John doesn’t want to go alone this time.  Trip to Rwanda anyone?  John is navigating and this will be an outstanding experience. John’s work defines creativity: He makes something out of almost nothing without destroying anything else. We are very proud and grateful for your project John.

Past President Joan Peggs reported that when she was arrested, over $1,000 bail money was raised to get her out. To top it all off, she won the draw. $18 dollars! The number of times this woman has been in jail and yet somehow, she still passes the Rotary Four Way Test! One of the great Rotary mysteries of our time.

Dr. John Snively spoke heartfelt words about the meaning he finds in our work and our fellowship as he prepares to take his leave of us. He will return for visits and will be working (with characteristic diligence and compassion) on the dental project in Guatemala – placing emphasis on prevention and education. John:  Your healing work takes place wherever you are. You are that kind of man. You have lightened our lives with your wisdom and generosity. Godspeed and please come back soon.

Phil Neroutsos introduced guest speaker, Holly Jones.
Holly (left) explained the structure that governs and motivates the Harbourcats baseball team.  She is a specialist who has worked her way up in the sports marketing field. Full of spirit, Holly spoke with pride about record turnouts for Harbourcats’ games and events this summer. The team comprises the top amateur talent coming out of collegiate baseball across North America and develops administrative know-how for the future of the sport as well. Main objectives are twofold:

• Build community and create entertaining and inspiring experiences for attendees;  and,
• Nurture talent by giving these future stars an intensive immersion in baseball while developing leadership and citizenship skills that befit these future role models. 

Seems like Victoria has embraced this concept and the Harbourcats are looking forward to future years in our community.

On behalf of the club, Bob Schelle thanked Holly for her presentation and presented her with a rare Oak Bay Rotary mug.