Meeting of April 1, 2014 - Club Assembly

Reporter: Renate Gibbs

   

The National Anthem was sung after President Pete announced that April was Magazine Month. He expressed his sincere appreciation to Jim Force for leading meetings throughout the past month of March and invited 2 DLTA attendees, Bob Schelle and Sandy Currie, to report a few impressions and experiences from this past weekend.

   Brian Lamb delivered an inspiring Grace – encouraging energy and commitment to dream of a Polio-free world.

   Vicky Pitt introduced and welcomed guests: Linda Whitehead from Semiahmoo (White Rock) Rotary; Bonnie Cleland (guest of Vicky Pitt); Ryan Gisler (guest of Janna Malo). Jacqueline Mealing slipped by the sign-in sheet and was warmly welcomed to the club.

Lance, DG Pete Taylor, Katie, and President Pete

Signing the Adoption papers

President Pete acknowledged the phenomenal work of the Youth Services Committee (above), providing Sabrina C., Janna M., Peter J., Tom C., David S., and Jim F. with Mardi Gras beads. Mark Mawhinney was also dubbed the ‘last Rotarian standing’ at the Club-in-a-Pub where the turnout was exceptional last Thursday evening when the Rotaract club formally "adopted" the Rotary Club of Oak Bay! More photos here.

Renate Gibbs (below) presented the club with a banner from the Tawa Rotary Club, District 9940, after returning from Wellington, New Zealand.

Celebrations Master Peter Sou collected $ from everyone who did not know the eleven countries that have successfully overcome Polio, as well as from those taken in by April Fools, and late-comers.  Club anniversaries for Lorna C. (16 years), John E. (22 years), Tom L. (24 years) were also acknowledged.

Numerous Happy-Sad Dollars came in, from those taken in by April Fools' tricks: David Phillips, Joan Firkins, Mary Canty and Eugen Bannerman. Marking accomplishments or returning from travels were:  Bill Burns, John Edgell, Ron Cooley, Peter Johannknecht, Jacqueline Mealing, Batya Westler, and Tom Croft. 

Tricia Timmermans acknowledged the hard work done by Corey Burger (right) at the Friends of Uplands Park Invasive Plant Removal event on the weekend. 

50/50 Draw was happily won by Pablo Diemecke. 

Club Assembly:

David Westler provided a report on International Service Projects. He noted the many interesting and challenging projects occurring this year with a number of club members present who have recently returned from club projects.   

• Mark Bedford’s slides were shown which depicted the work in progress from the Sanitation project/toilets in Kerala, India.
• John Edgell spoke to the Mexico project combined with the Jaltemba Bay Rotary Club; these efforts include raising $3,600 USD and work on a Global Grant to upgrade the Community & Cultural centre.  He described the factors of this area (given that 50% of the population is less than 12 years of age with the plight of those who don’t complete their school education d/t teen pregnancies or gaining employment).  The cost of living, despite a developing tourist influx & low wages for locals, remain major aspects of concern in the State of Nayarat.   www.jaltembajalapeno.com

Sabrina Corraini addressed the Youth Services Committee, her appreciation to Jim Ford and Tom Croft for handling Rotaract and Interact activities, Peter Johannknecht for helping with RYLA, & Lori McLeod for the Memory Café.  Activities where youth have been involved included the Merrython, the Mardi Gras Fund raiser, a Movie Night, a Beer & Burger night, Our Place, and DLTA.  Funds raised for Malawi Girls School ($800), Polio Plus ($400) as well as two members who will be awarded the Paul Harris Award (Lance Shaver & Samantha Lloyd) make this a group to be celebrated.

Ann Sims presented a concise Financial Report. We are meeting or beating our club’s goals, although some expenses are anticipated soon.  Although another grant is anticipated for John Jordan's Rwanda Project, the International Services is up to date in spending funds.

Peter Lawrie reported briefly on Community Service Projects where various requests have been under consideration.  Our club has been working towards raising $40,000 for the Teen Centre and plans to also develop a climbing wall at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre's swimming pool, where club members might wish to stretch their athletic prowess. 

Jim Force commented on the recent activities of March (Literacy Month) and added a few invitations.

·      He came away from DLTA seminars with the encouragement to “have outrageous goals with realistic planning”. 

·      During Literacy Month Jim thanked the club’s members for bringing books & buying books; a total of $632 will go toward buying baby books for the 1000 x 5 Literacy Project. 

·      The installation of the new board will occur on June 18^th at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel at a dinner event; there will be no Tuesday, June 17^th lunch meeting.

·      A president-elect candidate, (or two to share the role) is urgently needed – please consider this opportunity and support will be provided!

·      A confession:  Jim had a great time leading the Tuesday meetings this past month, but he’s hoping to resist being selfish over the next year during his role as President. He is therefore willing to relinquish any month to club members; there are still some months available for anyone wishing to share the experience. 

Peter Lawrie summarized our club’s projects that are made possible by fundraising, with three upcoming events:  The New Orleans Dinner, the Canada Flag Project, and the Car Raffle.  In the spirit of time, travel and treasure where opportunities are sought, our club is able to anticipate applying for the Club District Citation, Interact & Rotaract Citations, and the District Literacy Award.

The meeting was adjourned and finished with the usual musical tribute to the Queen.