Meeting of May 27, 2014; Adventures in Citizenship (Michaela Bub)

Reporter: John Snively

Welcome back John

President Pete reminded us that this is Community Month, announcing the music programs our club has sponsored for George Jay Elementary and Rock Heights Middle School. Michelle Lesage delivered the invocation after a patriotic rendition of O Canada. Lori McLeod welcomed the Oak Bay Interact members, Anna Young, Ruby Tang and Michaela Bub. Anne McIntyre from Disaster Canada was visiting along with Janette Nation, guest of Barry Mutter; Allison Keighan, guest of Jack Petrie; Mark Sharlow, guest of Steve Sharlow; and Ryan Gisler, guest of Janna Gisler. Natasha Kardos of the UVIC Rotaract Club was also with us for lunch.

Tom Croft (left) made an appreciative presentation to the Interact Club for their contributions, and presented them with a Presidential Citation which was received by Anna Young (centre) and Ruby Tang (left), with gratitude.

Michaela Bub, our guest speaker, was introduced by Richard Acomba. Michaela was our representative chosen to attend Adventures in Citizenship in Ottawa recently, along with many students from across Canada. The highlights for Michaela included the City of Ottawa Archives, and the Wabano Centre For Aboriginal Health for which she and her fellow students raised $500. They met the Ambassadors to North Korea and Sweden and had the privilege to sit in the parliamentary seats. They paid a brief but memorable visit to nearby Quebec. Michaela closed by showing us a video taken at the Wabano Centre.  Will Carter thanked Michaela (pictured at left).

Mary Canty reported on the health of the club with news that Donald O'Coffey had been released from hospital and was at home but asked that we call him first before visiting. Jaclyn is still using Mary's walker and continuing with therapy in the pool. Mike Hodges is recovering from knee surgery.

Rotaract's Natasha Kardos announced their Speakeasy Literacy Gala fundraiser, on Saturday June 14, from 7 to 10 pm in the Gary Oak Room at the Fairfield Community Centre; tickets are $30. It is to support the 1000x5 Book Recycling Project. They aim to ensure that every child in the Saanich Peninsula has at least 1,000 books read to them by the time they are five years old. Cuban Salsa lessons and music by Quiet Stars and Quasars will be part of the entertainment. Food is included in the ticket price, with drinks available for purchase. Come and mix with Rotarians, Rotaractors and community members from all over Victoria.

Rotary Peace Scholar. Announcement by Perry Bamji.

In March, 2013, a young lady named Krystal Renschler approached our club for sponsorship for the Rotary Peace Fellowship. The club supported her application; she competed at the District level with several other applicants and was one of two applicants who were chosen. Krystal will attend the University of Uppsala for the 2014-2015 year in their Peace and Conflict Resolution Masters Program. Rotary International has offered her the Rotary Peace Fellowship valued at 299,069 Swedish Kroners (approximately $50,000). It is worth noting that 50% of this money came from District 5020 and the other 50% from RI. In addition to Krystal’s award of $50,000, in 2013-2014 our club also received a District Community Grant of $2,500 for John Jordan’s Rwanda Project. This money omes from the Rotary Foundation to which many of our members contribute. In just this Rotary year, our club members contributed $20,450 to the Rotary Foundation. In return we received over $52,000 in the form of grants and fellowships. So our club has done very well in terms of the return on our investment. It pays handsomely to contribute to the Rotary Foundation.Please consider this fact and donate generously to the Rotary Foundation. 

Jim Force reminded us of the legendary Club in a Pub this Thursday at the Penny Farthing, at 5pm. He also invited members to attend the upcoming board meeting as well as the annual Installation Dinner, June 18th, at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, to honour all those who have served the club this past year and who will step forward to serve us with distinction in the year to come. The sign up sheet is circulating. Cost is $45.

Lorna (left) admonished us to continue our fundraising efforts through the car raffle and to sell more tickets, as well as take a scheduled shift at the raffle table.

Heather's final hurrah as Celebrations Mistress this month was lively and productive as the money collectors had to call for a Brinks truck to haul away the plunder. Not a single member left unscathed as the loonies and toonies clanked in the collection tins.

Barry Mutter received our choral accolades for his birthday as did Renate in absentia. Club membership anniversaries were shared by Heather, David Philip, Vicki Pitt and Lorna Curtis. 

Tricia thanked Perry for his newspaper articles about the flags as this seemed to stimulate people to call in appreciation and recognition, and to request a subscription. Neil Madsen's ticket was drawn but alas he selected a black marble.

President Pete presents Paul Harris pins.

Neil Rawnsley announced Paul Harris Fellow pins to the following: Mary Canty +1; John Snively +1; David Maxwell +3; Bill Burns +4; Neil Rawnsley +4; Jack Petrie +5; Pete Lawrie +5; Rod Sim +7; Heather Aked +7; Perry Bamji +8

Pres. Pete concluded the meeting with a video of children singing joyfully about our "Wonderful World" followed by an adjourning gong to the bell.

Don't forget our wonderful workers: Joan, Jim and Vicky, with Hattie on the computer.

Amen!