Rotary Club of Oak Bay Christmas Party - December 17, 2014

Dec, 17, 2014 Christmas Party

Reporter: John Jordan
Photos:    courtesy of Rotary Club of Oak Bay Facebook page

Members and guests (55 in total) arrived at the main lounge of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel about 6 p.m. to begin the  evening around the fire with a glass of wine, some sparkling conversation and the nostalgic tunes of Christmas, coming from the piano.  We thank the remarkable Ruby Tang, President of the Oak Bay Interact Club for her playing which lifted us into the Christmas spirit.

Heather Aked, MC for the festivities, welcomed guests into “our own” dining salon and Lorna brought us all together with her “thought for Christmas.”  

Toward the conclusion of a delicious meal, our one and only special guest arrived from the North Pole and made his rounds from table to table identifying both the naughty and the nice.  As always, Santa was a round, jolly old elf, but one could already see  the strain of the season.  The poor fellow was wearing his suit backwards.  He must have slipped away from his workshop while Mrs. Sharlow was busy elsewhere making cookies.

Carolers from the Canadian College for the Performing Arts sang a medley of favorites which, toward the last, had raised enough nostalgia that members joined in - on whatever note they fancied.  

Taking advantage of the crowd weakened by food, wine and song, Heather and Lorna enthralled us all, weaving their own poetic lines into the rhythm of a “Rotarians’ Night Before Christmas.”

A happy crowd departed grateful to Heather and Lorna for organizing a lovely evening and now ready to don kerchief and cap and settle down for a long Winter nap. 

The end.  

(At least until the informal opportunity for drinks in the Snug on Tuesday, Dec 23^rd at midday or when we meet again at the first meeting of the new year on Jan 6, 2015.) 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all members and their families.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting of December 9th, 2014 - Quirks and Quarks

Scribe:   Joan Firkins

In the absence of emcee Heather, the meeting began promptly at 12:15 pm, Brian Lamb welcomed an overflow crowd of members, Rotary friends and guests prior to the a cappella singing of O Canada, led by Tom Croft. Renate Gibbs gave thanks on behalf of all present.

Guests, Visitors ad New Members:

Visiting Rotarians: Terry Jones (Victoria club)

Visiting Rotaractors: Joey Vaesen

Guests: Mike Sharlow; Sandy Sharlow; Karen Sharlow; Lesley Ockermueller; Barb Currie; Barbara Shipley; Jillyn Shipley; Len Chapple; Dimiter Bainor; Helga Jacobson; Rita Estock; Flora King; Jill Croft; Ben Andersen.

(Apologies for any errors regarding names – printing of names would be a good thing!)

Nothing to report re Health of the Club. Nice to see David Philip at our meeting today!

Two new member inductions took place today – Anne McIntyre, sponsored by Neil Rawnsley,

and Nadia Hyde, sponsored by Mary Canty.

Membership Chair Barry Mutter and President Jim presided and both women received a standing welcome to our club and to Rotary! All members are asked to make themselves known to both Anne and Nadia as they join our Rotary family.

Announcements:

Joan Peggs: thanks to those who both helped with and purchased poinsettias for record sales of just over $2,000!

Peter Lawrie: Sorry Pete – didn’t get it! (It IS the truth!)

Brian Lamb: thanks to those who volunteered their time at the Merrython – Heather will undoubtedly have a report on her return.

Lorna Curtis: last chance to sign up for the Christmas party on Wednesday, December 17^th, 6 for 7 – payment at the door is no problem.

Speaker 1 - John Jordan - Rwanda project:

John Jordan was welcomed to the podium and gave us a snapshot of the most recent Rwanda project in which the purpose was to raise the housing level of subsistence for 24 Rwandan widows.

Their houses are in a state of disrepair, specifically the roofs as the rains tend to deteriorate them quickly. With funds contributed partially by a Matching Grant, the $7000 project not only attended to the roof situation but there was a side benefit of water collection from the rain run-off to a water tank. This will save considerable hard labour on the part of the widows. They now also have a fuel efficient stove, animals that can be sold at market, a garden from which to grow vegetables and also $20 for health care for 1 year. For more information on this project or if you would like to make a financial contribution, please talk to John and he will be happy to give you more information. Thanks for all you do John to enrich the lives of the Rwandan people.

Celebrations Master Peter Lawrie extracted a few dollars from everyone for various and sundry transgressions but today it was more about getting on with the show………………….

Guest Speaker: 

Our very special guest, Bob McDonald, host of the CBCs weekly science program, Quirks and Quarks, was introduced by Perry Bamji and turned out to be the second guest speaker after Perry read out a very lengthy bio of John....oops, Bob McDonald. It should be noted that the overflowing crowd at our meeting today was in honour of Mr. McDonald and everyone’s thirst for his knowledge of all things scientific!

Scribe note: if you think this was easy……..think again. I am unable to put this in the form of a story as it was told by the speaker so it will be in note form, to the best of my limited ability to retain what I heard and wrote!

-        Speaker has been living in Victoria for the past 3 ½ years and is able to produce his weekly program from the local CBC studio or the one in the Legislature. Is also enjoying the ability to take advantage of his love of sailing by cruising the local islands.

-        His newest book entitled Canadian Spacewalkers is about three Canadian spacewalkers (as opposed to astronauts), Chris Hadfield, Steve Maclean and Dave Williams

– excerpt from book:

-        There are astronauts, and there are spacewalkers. Astronauts leave earth’s atmosphere in a spaceship. Spacewalkers don pressure suits and step outside into the universe.

-        Spacewalking is a physically exhausting, mentally rigorous endeavor. It’s so difficult, only three Canadians have ever succeeded: Chris Hadfield, Steve MacLean and Dave Williams. Chris Hadfield and Dave Williams are record breakers; Hadfield completed the first Canadian spacewalk and installed the Canadarm 2 on the International Space Station, while Williams holds the record for the longest spacewalk by a Canadian. And Steve MacLean, Senior Research Affiliate at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and former head of the Canadian Space Agency, was one of Canada’s original six astronauts.

-        In rebuttal of those who think monies shouldn’t be spent on a space program when there are other pressing needs – Canada currently spends less than $10 per year per Canadian on its space program.

-        Speaker talked at length and with exuberance of his participation in experiencing what it’s like to be in space i.e. no gravity, increased gravity etc. – in other words, what it’s like to be Peter Pan!

-        Astronauts are literally on drugs – gravol, uppers, and antihistamines – all to help combat weightlessness.

-        Bob credits his mother with his thirst for all things space related, having given him the book Planets: a Golden Library of Knowledge. He is soon to write a kids book about the solar system as “you never know what might inspire a kid”.

-        It takes 90 minutes to go around the earth in the space station at 30,000 km per hour.

-        The speaker asked each of the three spacewalkers their thoughts as they opened the hatch to do their mission – they each replied “I don’t want to mess up”!

-        Bob spoke of the 3 men as remarkable Canadians and role models.

-        Their message to young people is “Face your dreams and never let them go – take every opportunity to get there.”

-        Bob’s message to overprotective parents is “take your kids devices and computers away from them and take them out into the great outdoors to experience nature and space at its finest”.

After a standing ovation, our speaker was thanked by Lori McLeod and he was presented with the coveted Oak Bay Rotary mug.

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

Scribe’s note:  a heartfelt round of thanks to the hotel staff for stepping up to the plate and quickly adding more tables and chairs to accommodate the crowd this week. Also on behalf of the club, all good wishes to Michelle LeSage and her team as they carry on holding down the fort while the hotel undergoes its challenges. We are behind you all!

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 2 December 2014 and AGM

Reporter: Joan Peggs 

Meeting commenced sharply at 12:15 pm with Heather as MC.

In the Rotary calendar, December is Family Month. Heather reminded us of the responsibilities of being a member of a family – share the tasks, pitch in and help when it is necessary (she used her family as an example: encouraging Alexander to complete his assigned family tasks). A family works together by helping, encouraging and sharing the jobs to be completed.

This meeting is the club AGM. There are some Board positions to be filled. Please pitch in!!

Members sang O Canada (we were three stanzas into the anthem when the music 'kicked in'). John Edgell said grace. The membership and visitors headed for the buffet table and lunch – an interesting potato salad (with no mayonnaise (I liked that), a good green salad, great medley of steamed vegetables, chicken wrapped with bacon in a tomato based sauce and an excellent polenta. An excellent array of delicate dessert morsels.

Promptly at 12:35, Heather commenced the meeting.

Visitors and Guests:

Bill was called on to introduce the visitors:

Pablo introduced his guest – Joel Vera

Jessica introduced Barry Mutter's guest - Naida Hyde

Jim Force introduced his guest – Eileen Eby

Bill introduced Natasha Kardos and her infant Piper ( 6 weeks)

Heather thanked Joan P for her fund raising efforts of the poinsettias. She also thanked Don  for the use  of his house, Lorna for helping and others. Joan filled in by thanking Tom Will and Bill, Don and Bob and John E. and Tav for delivering the poinsettias.

Announcements:

Heather - Merrython – Sunday December 7^th, Henderson Recreation Centre. Register to participate if you are not helping

Wynn – Community Services committee meeting after this meeting

Natasha – will collect the socks for Our Place. Rotaractors also selling raffle tickets

Lorna – Christmas Dinner, Wednesday December 17^th. OBBH. $48 Commences at 6 pm with drinks at the front foyer

Lorna – Salvation Army kettles. Shifts for this weekend need to be filled

Celebrations Master – PP Peter

Money for early leaving; numerous Grey Cup fines – nobody escaped!!; shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday cost some $$s and in keeping with the Family theme for December $$s were collected

In celebration of the birthdays of Pablo and Wolf, a fairly good rendition of Happy Birthday was sung.

Peter J is celebrating 6 years as a club member.

Happy/Sad $$s:

President Jim has a grandson who is turning 20.

Vicky – a total confusion of the dates of the calender. Arrived at Henderson Recreation Centre on Sunday November 30^th only to discover no one was there for the Merrython. (Remember to arrive this Sunday Vicky)

Jessica – daughter suggested that the three of them go on a road trip. The play in which Jessica was acting, “17 Stories” was sold out. (A benefit performance for Hospice is being held at Sands Funeral Chapel, Thursday 4 December, with a reception at 6 pm and curtains up at 6.30. Call: 250 3885155 to book. 1803 Quadra St. Runs 85 minutes.)

Joan P - thanking everyone for buying poinsettias, Don (for the use of his house) , Lorna (for her help) and the 8 Rotarians for delivering the plants.  Also learned today that I won 4 tickets to see the Victoria Royals.

Bill – being able to FaceTime with granddaughter. She was given an Advent calendar so they connect every day for 24 days

Lynne – saw Jessica performing. Excellent play

Wolf – celebrating his 70th birthday. Daughter proclaimed that he is old!!

50/50 draw was won by the bulletin scribe. Black marble was drawn!!

12:55 pm – Heather turned the meeting over to David Maxwell. Beginning of the AGM of the RCOB Foundation

Minutes taken by the Secretary of the Foundation, Vicky

1:15 pm – Heather moved into the AGM of the RCOB

Studious reading of AGM material

Minutes taken by Wendy

Reported by Joan Peggs

1:33pm Heather began to close the meeting as a few announcements followed!!

Jim will MC the meeting of December 9^th

No meeting on December16th – dinner on December 17^th

If you would like to gather in the Snug on December 23^rd let Heather know

"My Christmas Wish List" adapted by Meg Huff, a member of the Rotary Club of Bloomfield, NY, from a poem appearing in a Dear Abby column (December 24^th 2013)

School supplies for children, food and medicine for the poor,
Clean water for a village, and I ask a little more….
Perform good deeds and let me know, or volunteer your time,
These things are worth a fortune, and they won’t cost you one dime.

I’ve got too many things already, C.D.’s, tools, and clocks,
My closet’s full of fashion “must haves,” sweaters, scarves, and socks.
Candy is so fattening, and grilling gadgets – I have twenty!
I don’t need cologne or gourmet coffee – and golf clubs – I have plenty.

I’ve got no place to hang more pictures; I’ve still got books I haven’t read,
So take what you would spend on me, and help the poor instead!
Dear friends, just send me cards and notes, and tell me what you’ve done,
I’ll open them at Christmas time, and read them one by one.

It won’t cost as much for postage, as a package sent would do,
And you won’t have the hassle of the paper, tags, and glue.
And I’ll thank God you listened to what I have to say,
As together we help those in need as we journey on our way.

Final closing of the meeting was a rendition of  "A White Christmas"  (click to listen) by Bing Crosby.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 25 November 2014 - District Governor Michael Proctor

Reported by: Heather Aked

Our meeting began in style today with the Board, along with DG Michael Proctor, dancing in to the tune Celebration - we do have fun at OB Rotary. 

The Board rocking in to the music

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:

Samantha Lloyd from Rotaract

C. Anne McIntyre – Disaster Aid Canada

Ryan Gisler, guest of Janna Gisler

Sanjay Uppal, Guest of Jim Force

50/50:

Joan F. called on Jessica Vanderveen, our Celebrations Master, to the front.  Jessica promised to keep it quick and proceeded to fine all of us to mark our DG’s visit.  Joan P. had  a happy dollar for the receipt of TC puzzles for Butchart Gardens and funds for George Jay. Ron C. had a happy buck for a skate with his daughter on the ice rink at the Empress Hotel in support of the BC Children’s Hospital.  Anne M. is back from 3 weeks in Zambia with an organization called Women For Change.  Dallas Chapple won the draw but not the marble.

Awards:

Tav MacPherson and DG Michael Proctor called up Bill Burns and Steve Sharlow to present them with Paul Harris Society pins, recognizing them for their commitment to give the Rotary Foundation at least $1,000 annually.   Tav then called up ‘founding’ Society members Heather Aked, Bill Burns, Perry Bamji, Joan Firkins, Peter Lawrie, Lynne Murray, Joan Peggs and Vicky Pitt.  (forgive me if I’ve missed someone).   The PH Society was started last year – at 18% OB Rotary had the highest percentage of ‘founding’ members.

DG Proctor then presented OB Rotary with 2 additional awards:

2^nd in District 5020 for per capita giving to the Rotary Foundation and 100% participation in the Rotary Foundation annual sustaining member campaign 1 of only 1200 clubs – Yay OB!

Founding members

Announcements:

• Ron Cooley needs 3 more course marshalls for the upcoming Merrython Fun Run on   December 7^th.
• Samantha reminded us of Rotaract’s sock drive – if you forgot your socks this week please bring them next week.  Rotoract’s Secret Cinema event fundraiser has been cancelled – in its place is a raffle – for 3 gift baskets. $250, $160 and $60 tickets are $1, $10, & $20 and the draw will take place December 15^th.   Proceeds will go to the Jolly Nyeko foundation.
• Janna (or Sabrina) reminded us that the Memory Café takes place tonight a the Oak Bay Lodge – next café will be December 16^th and then going forward will take place on the 4^th Tuesday of the month.  This is a Youth Services event where our Interact Club share memories with the residents at Oak Bay Lodge.

District Governor Michael Proctor

Before Lorna C. introduced our DG, Michael Proctor, Joan F. shared with us that DG Proctor is very much a ‘telephone’ man and would always rather pick up the phone and have a discussion than a trail of e-mails….and read us a poem.  

Lorna

Lorna provided a brief introduction of  DG Proctor:  he grew up in Vancouver attending UBC before joining the British Motor Corp. He spent time with Chrysler before owing a dealership in Peace River, where he remained for 25 years, serving on the town council and as Mayor for 12 years.  Michael also raced cars!  He was a member of the Kinsmen but it was while serving as Mayor that he was introduced to Rotary. He was an honorary member while Mayor.  In 1998 (or ’99) he joined Rotary and hasn’t looked back.  He has served as Club Secretary, President, Conference Chair, Assistant District Governor and now District Governor.

Michael  then spoke: he promised, as Liz Taylor promised all her husbands “that he wouldn’t keep us long”.    He began by talking about the Foundation and the projects, both local and international, that come about as a result of the matching funds it provides.   The money we contribute comes back to us after 3 years.  He talked about schools, orphanages & water wells and offered congratulations to the many projects that OB Rotary has undertaken.  

District Governor Michael Proctor

Polio Plus is another Rotary project supported by the foundation. Michael talked about  National Immunization Days and the impact they have, not just on those children who get immunized, but on those who participate in helping the world eradicate Polio.   He mentioned the Bill Gates Foundation which supports this cause.  He also mentioned that earlier this year, there was an editorial in the Vancouver Sun covering the work done to help eradicate polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The editorial applauded Rotary, the Gates Foundation and Donor Governments.  Michael took this editorial with him to his same day meeting in Seattle with the Gates Foundation.Michael mentioned his “Rotary moment” happened when he participated in a NID at an orphanage.

He gave a run down of Rotary Membership: there were 1.2 million Rotarian’s 7 years ago; today there are 1.2 million Rotarians and; during that time, Rotary has lost 1.2 million members.  Michael’s club has a questionnaire for members to answer when they’ve been to the club for about 10 months or a year.  The questions are as follows:

1. Has your experience as a member of Rotary been what you expected when you joined our club? If not please let us know why not.

2. Do you feel that you are welcomed to our club meetings and are being included in all club activities?

3. Would you like to be more involved at a committee level in our club?

4. Please advise what else we can do to make your membership in our club and Rotary more rewarding and enjoyable.

He asked about members asking people to join the Club.   He said that only 15% of Rotarians have proposed a new member.   Rotary is looking to expand its membership categories and include satellite, family and corporate memberships.  Less emphasis has been placed on attendance in recent years.

One of Michael’s favourite areas of Rotary is Youth Exchange. OB Rotary has participated in the past and he indicated that the board is revisiting it.  Last year there were 30 Exchange students and this year 35.  There’s also the “Step” program which involves short term reciprocal visits which last for 3 to 4 weeks.

Michael commented on the ongoing Oak Bay projects and applauded our website, noting that websites can be important in encouraging new members.  Rotary Days are another way to promote Rotary and encourage membership.

Last but not least Michael promoted the District Conference which takes place in Nanaimo from June 19^th to June 21^st 2015. 

**********

Tav thanked DG Michael for his time, speech and support.  Jim F. provided us with some closing comments, noting that Tav, with the endorsement of our Club has put his name forward for DG.

Tav

Joan closed with a comment about 1 hour meetings, that we had 42 Rotarians and 3 guests: a much better turn out than last week, with thanks to Pablo, Lorna, Janette, Brian, Heather and Jessica for their rostered duties.

Joan F.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 18 November 2014 - Tax Auction

Reported by Rod Sim

Rod Sim (possibly admonishing a latecomer)

Photos by Steve Sharlow
Meeting commenced at 11.45 a.m.

Mistress of Ceremonies: Joan Firkins

Sang “O Canada”

Lynne Murray said grace.

Everyone shook hands.
Guests:

Karla Dolinsky: Harbourside Rotary Club; Terry Daniels: Saanich Rotary Club; Mark Bedford: Penticton Rotary Club; Lauren Askew: UVic Rotaract Club;Riley Strother: UVic Rotaract Club; Alex McKeachnie: Guest of Don O’Coffey;Naida Hyde: (Member candidate)

50/50

Jessica Van der Veen was Celebrations Mistress. Tom Croft and John Edgell assisted. Birthday wishes to Dallas Chapple and Bill Burns. Will Carter: 50 Happy Dollars to be back (and alive); John Edgell: Happy Dollars to be back; Sandy Currie: 37 Happy Dollars for celebrating a 37 year Wedding Anniversary. Tav Macpherson won the draw.

Announcements:

• Round of applause (and bow from the waist) for Tom Croft who was either elected to public office or has a new business in coffee pods. Seriously; we congratulated Tom Croft who was elected to Oak Bay Municipal Council. WAY TO GO TOM!!!

  

  Tom Croft

• Joan Firkins took advantage of her MC gig to make a special (and heartfelt) thanks to Joan Peggs and Lorna Curtis. Seems like the "Bobbsey Twins" were a  BIG help at ZONE CONFERENCE and thereby helped to MAKE JOAN HAPPY. 600 Rotarians and guests attended and probably helped the local economy quite a bit.

  

  Lorna, Joan F. and Joan P.

• Karla Dolinsky from Harbourside Rotary Club had Christmas Cakes for sale (dark, delicious and boasting cognac) for $25.00 each.

  

  Joan Firkins and Karla Dolinsky 

• Rod Sim and Joan Peggs invited Club Members to attend an Information Meeting at Songhees Wellness Centre (1100 Admirals Road between 10:00 AM and NOON) on Friday November 21, 2014. Join us and you may learn how to carve a Totem Pole.

• Heather Aked reminded everyone about the Oak Bay Merrython on Sunday December 7^th. You can volunteer; you can walk or run; but you shouldn’t miss this great event.

  

  Heather Aked

• Mary Canty shared news from David and Batya (currently in Israel). We send them and their family our very best wishes. David is recovering.
• Mary has Guatemalan scarves that she is selling to help Jacqueline Meiling.

  

  Peter L., Naida and Mary modelling the beautiful scarves. Setting a new fashion trend Peter!!

• Riley and Lauren (UVic Rotaract Club) are encouraging members to attend the Secret Cinema Event on Thursday 27th November. Tickets available at $30 (includes movie and appetizers) online. Click HERE. for more information and to buy tickets. Steve Sharlow is trying to organize a group to go. Sounds like fun!

  

  Riley and Lauren

• Joan Firkins is hoping to start a new Rotaract Club at Pearson College

Rotary Foundation Tax Auction

This was conducted by Tom Croft.  $3,500 was on offer in 22 separate lots.  16 lucky bidders put up a total of $10,350. Special thanks to Neil, Tom, Heather, Perry, Bill, Will, Dallas, Joan F, Naida, Peter, Michelle, Tav, Lynne, Janette, Gordon, Wendy, Jim and Barry for their generosity.

The meeting finished at about 1:15 PM.  Next week the Governor of  District 5020 will be in attendance. 

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 4 November 2014 - Oak Bay Highschool rebuild

Reported by Victoria Pitt

The meeting started at 12:15 pm after everyone had already had a chance to obtain and munch their lunch.

Following the singing of “Oh Canada”,  Joan Firkins who is the Master of Ceremonies for November, invited each of us to greet those whom we had not greeted when we came in. This resulted in much fellowship, smiles and hand shaking requiring Joan to bring us back  on track: “ Read my lips -  return to your seats”.

Joan thanked President Jim for letting her do some different things this week and reminded us that every club does not do it the same way, that the order for the meeting is not etched in stone and, during November, she will be giving us a flavor of what some other clubs do, hence the early start to the meal at 11:45am.

Thought for the Day - It being a busy time of year, Sabrina told us about something she uses to keep on top of the work load, advice she had learned from a previous boss - organize work by 4 categories: Me now, Me later, Someone else and Not at all.

There being no visiting Rotarians, Lynne introduced our guests:

Barbara Rsito: guest of Kathleen Arnason
Adam Fawkes: our guest speaker
Naida Hyde: guest of Barry Mutter and soon to be member
Brian Gisler: guest of Janna Gisler

With apologies to the engineers in the room, Joan Firkins told a joke about an engineer not kissing a frog although it promised to turn into a princess when kissed. He explained to the frog that as an engineer he had "no time for a  girlfriend but having a talking frog was cool".

Guest Speaker:

Phil N. introduced our guest speaker, Adam Fawkes. Adam is an architect with the firm Hughes Condon Marier which, together with Farmer Construction, are building the new Oak Bay High School.  Adam described the bidding process: 3 separate teams were selected on the short list to design the school.  Adam’s firm did not have the lowest bid but was chosen because of the excellent design that also met the budget criteria. The new school is being built on the old rugby field while students continue to attend the old school. Students will be moving into the new school in 2015.
Design features:

• One of the concepts that the architects found important to the students was retaining the “School Crossing”.  Students particularly wanted to keep this for social interaction  and so the new school has been designed with this in mind, both in the design of the main hallway inside and, in the paths outside that link the community and the school.
• The building is LEED Gold.
• Trees have been kept where possible and the large sequoia tree preserved. It will be a landmark at the front of the new school. 
• As part of the build, Bowker Creek will be rehabilitated and opened on the school side, graded by the school builders and replanted by the municipality.Plazas where students and visitors can gather have been created on the south side and in front of the building. 
• The south side will include the Neighborhood Learning Centre.
• The ground floor has been designed with the theatre in the center and 4 pillars of excellence: Arts (the theatre), Athletics (the gym), Citizenship (Neighborhood Learning Centre), and Academics (the library).
• Formal academics will be on the 2^nd and 3^rd floor separate from the public areas of the school.
• The theatre will sit 425 patrons and will be approached through the front door and the large open lobby. 
• The theatre is in the centre of the building and the outside is wrapped in wood repurposed from the old gymnasium. It will be visible from most areas of the school and will provide a landmark.
• The classrooms are designed to allow for working in small groups and for breakout areas. Some interior walls are movable and some rooms have walls that will open up into the hallway. In some places, lockers will be half height with counters on top, creating study space as well as a place for informal interactions, similar to the business spaces used by companies such as Google.
• The Neighborhood Learning Centre received an extra 15% funding due to its partnership with Oak Bay Recreation  and will house daycare,  flex rooms and the teen centre.  It  will be accessed directly from the southwest corner of the building which is a prime location. 
• The teen centre will include a kitchenette, washrooms, storage, office space and an overhead door which will allow for expansion.
• The large cedar tree which had to be taken down as a result of the construction has been milled and the wood will be used for benches at school.
•  First Nations art will be near the theatre and existing art from the old school will be hung around the school. 
• The floor mosaics and the outside tiles from the old school will also be moved to the new school.  
• Photos of classes over the school’s life will be displayed throughout the school and digitally archived.
• A glass railing on the second level will have a collage of faces of past students within it.The building will use 50% of a typical school’s energy consumption, will have improved longevity, solar panels and awnings to minimize solar gain on the south side. The building also features low VOC materials. 
• It is estimated that 98% of the usable materials from the old-school will be recycled by the end of the build.

Rod thanked Adam Fawkes, applauding his passion for design as well as the quality of the presentation.
Joan Firkins reminded the club that over the last few years we have donated $50,000 towards the NLC.

50/50  - Dallas

Fines were imposed on those not wearing pins and badges; Tom C. for all his election signs. In the ongoing tradition of fining those who help - Perry was fined  for excellence in publicizing the club and Janna for her efforts in the Bowls of Hope at her business, “Fired Up”.  5 tables were fined for not knowing what “Syria’s other war” was (the war against polio).  Dallas fined Joan Firkins for being mentioned on page 17 of the Rotarian Magazine as the winner of a District Service A ward and an extra dollar for looking so great and losing weight when Dallas hadn't. Peter Sue and Debbie are celebrating an anniversary

The following people have Rotary anniversaries: Peter Sue 20 years, George Prichard 36 years, Renata 4 years, and Rod Sim 20 years. Perry said Dallas should pay a fine because she missed mentioning his 22^nd anniversary as a Rotary member.

Heather put in 12 happy dollars because Alexander is turning 12

Joan Peggs put in a dollar because she found a book on a bench which had a sign that said: “Take this book, pick it up, keep it, read it, and pass it around”. The book will go to 1000×5.

Bill Burns gave 3 happy dollars because 1. He has married again 2. He has been to visit Europe with his bride  and 3. He visited an exchange student who stayed with him  20 years ago. That student is now 38 and is legal counsel for MasterCard in Europe with 30+ lawyers reporting to him. Pretty impressive.

Kathleen was happy because she got to meet a baby that was not a day old “Piper”.

Mary is happy because Fie, a previous exchange student, has given birth to her 2^nd child, a boy, and sad because Connie H. (Harold’s widow) has died. Her demise was kept quiet which is what Connie wished. Neil Madsen is happy because the 18^th is the tax auction

Wendy won the draw.

Announcements:

• Vicky announced that Katie De Rosa, our district scholarship candidate, had been awarded a district scholarship of $15,000.
• Janna announced that our Rotaract Club is holding a “Night of Lights” at Hillside Mall on November 23. The tickets are $5 each and will support their tree at the Empress Hotel’s Festival of Trees and the Children’s Hospital. Janna has tickets.
• Ron Cooley reminded everyone that December 7 is the Merrython and he is looking for 16 course marshals.
• Joan Peggs announced that we will be selling poinsettias again this year and asked everyone to watch for the Butchart’s Magic of Christmas in the Times Colonist. Please find the puzzle pieces, fill in the template, and she will take the completed templates to George Jay for students and their parents to use to see Butchart’s Gardens over Christmas.

Peter got a prize for confirming that November is Foundation Month before anyone else.

Rememberance Day Presentation:
President Jim then introduced the Remembrance Day presentation, which included a  moment of silence and the pictures and names, rank and service of those persons  whom members of the club specifically wished to remember. It was very moving.

Parents of Steve Sharlow - photographed by David Sills

The meeting closed shortly thereafter with a Toast to the Queen.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 28 October, 2014

Reporter and photographer: David Sills 

Double Duty with Sandy Currie  

In addition to emceeing his last meeting, he also introduced the visiting Rotarians and guests. But first, he called on Perry Bamji to say grace. Perry responded with a Four Way Test blessing which reads in part: " …..as we walk along life’s pathway, whatever we may say ‘let it be the truth’, whatever steps we take in life, ‘let them be fair and let them build goodwill and fellowship’, and whatever goals we strive to accomplish, ‘let them be beneficial to all concerned’ ".

Visitors

Today’s guests as introduced by Sandy Currie:

     Eva Grant & Dorothy Hawes - our speakers

     Rex and Jasmeen Grant - parents of Eva Grant

     Krista Foster, District Scholarship Applicant - guest of Lorna Curtis

Announcements   

1)   Neil Rawnsley advised that Tom Croft will conduct the Club Foundation auction on November 18. He also announced that Brian Lamb has achieved a Foundation Fellowship plus Five.

2)   Lorna Curtis noted that a Zone 25/26 Rotary Institute Luncheon is set for November 15 at the Victoria Convention Centre: an opportunity to meet incoming RI President Ravi Ravindran.

3)  Mary Canty advised that ‘Guatamala scarves’ will be sold at a Japanese Society fundraiser on November 9 at the Fairfield Hall.

4)   Lori McLeod announced a fundraiser for the Eldercare Foundation – ‘Pamper With Purpose Ladies Only’ to be held November 2 at The Ocean Pointe Resort.

5)   Heather Aked is looking for volunteers on December 7 to assist with the Merrython.    

New Member Proposals

At their October meeting, the Board approved membership applications for two people:

Anne McIntyre, sponsored by Neil Rawnsley. Anne is the Executive Director for Disaster Aid, Canada. Her classification is Humanitarian Relief.

Naida Hyde, Sponsored by Barry Mutter. Anne is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Her classification is Health Services.

Tom Croft  (our Sgt–at-Arms casts a wide net)

Miscreants beware; this S-at-A has his eye on you. With his efficient approach he should be encouraged to run for public office. In short order he fined Don O’Coffey as a ‘line barger, Lori for shameless promotion, Dallas as an early leaver, Barry for not promoting the Victoria Light Up event and numerous others members for Rotary pin and name badge violations.

Happy/sad dollars were paid by Heather for running late all morning and suffering much aggravation plus a minor car dent, David Philip for the cards of encouragement he received during his recent set-back, Joan Peggs for her lost and found pin at the Light-Up Ceremony, Perry to ask why the RI Luncheon leaflet omitted the incoming President’s District, and Steve to announce he has completed his final relocation move - # 24 in 44 years of marriage.    

Birthday congratulations were extended to Lori Mcleod and Rod Sim.

St. Michaels University School

Tom Croft (him again) introduced Dorothy Hawes as our guest speaker. Dorothy is a teacher of Senior School English at SMUS. She holds a BA, PDPP from the University of Victoria, an MA from Queen’s University and an AVCN from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. She has been teaching English at SMUS since 1992.

Dorothy considers public speaking to be an important part of the English course wherein she trains students to prepare and deliver a speech. She reflected on the work in this area by her mentor Colin Skinner, a former member of this Club, who was an English scholar as well as a fine actor on the Victoria stage. Accompanying Dorothy was Eva Grant, a SMUS student, whose persuasive speaking skills allowed her to represent B.C. at a recent gathering of 100 students at the United Nations. Eva also won an award at a recent Vancouver gathering for a speech she presented in French.

Eva was then introduced to the Club. Her talk today centered on the shooting in 2012 of Malala Yousafzai, a young student activist in Pakistan, and the need to bring some critical thinking about the extensive attention by the media and others to this tragic event.

Malala was born in 1997 in the Swat Valle, in northwest Pakistan, where her family ran a chain of schools. At the age of 12, she wrote a blog for the BBC describing her life under Taliban rule and her efforts to promote education for girls. The following year, a documentary about her life was produced by the New York Times and she began giving interviews and appearing on television. Desmond Tutu nominated her for an International Peace Prize. Taliban reaction was swift. In October 2012, she was shot at point blank range by a gunman who boarded her school bus. The assassination attempt sparked an international outpouring of support.

Malala has become an international star. To quote one reporter, she may be the most important teenager in the world. She is the youngest Nobel Prize laureate and has addressed the United Nations where she called for worldwide access to education.

Our speaker contends that Malala was used by the media and encouraged to speak out while still living in this oppressive society, thereby compromising her safety. Her welfare was ignored and her story used for public consumption. By publishing her beliefs, they ‘blew her cover’. Eva suggests that the media and even Malala’s father lost sight of the common goal of safety for all children.

Eva closed her speech with an apt quote from Ghandi:  "I believe in free speech for everyone except reporters and photographers."

The audience thanked Eva with a standing ovation (only the second time this year) and Sabrina Coraini presented her with the ever-present Oak Bay Rotary mug.

Jasmeen Grant, Eva Grant,
Dorothy Hawes and Rex Grant

And Now a Word from the President
Jim thanked Joan Peggs for her attendance at the fifth annual Light Up for World Polio Day held last Friday evening. A Rotary Wheel and “End Polio Now” were projected on the north wall of the MacPherson Theater. The event was followed by a fundraiser dinner at the Don Mee Restaurant.

He also presented Sandy with a Rotary pin for his efforts as MC for the month of October.

Postscript

A president’s work is never done. Here we see him consulting with two committee members on an important Club matter.