REPORTER: JACK PETRIE
The headlines....A sunny day, an east indian style lunch, a new club member induction of Janette Nation... and a presentation on the good works going on in Guatemala. Along the way, a request to find homes for 29 flags, a Rwanda fund raising plant sale and a reminder of the Paul Harris evening.
And as the newscaster says..."and now the details"...
Lori Mcleod emceed us along, directing Tom Lidkea to introduce visiting Rotarians Michael Woolnough from Vancouver main and Bruce Willats from Laguna Beach. (Names may be wrong due to indecipherable handwriting ... stylish, but unreadable). Our guests included Janette Nation and her son James, and Doug Canty, son of Mary (easy to read names in this category).
Induction: Our newest member is Janette Nation, whom Sabrina ably and warmly introduced and nice words of the ceremony came forth from Lori Mcleod and Prez Jim Force. A standing ovation greeted Janette. Welcome Janette, to the best Rotary Club in all of Oak Bay! We're all looking forward to getting to know you and share in many worthy endeavours together.
Celebrations Master Tav stole hard cash from unlucky souls: Neil Rawnsley for fining Tav himself in his absence, and Heather for going to Italy and other heroic misdeeds. Giles won the draw, a paltry sum but it will go toward finally paying his annual dues, an oversight which Tav so delicately shared with everyone. No one's safe when Tav is at the podium!
Then it was the Jacqueline and Mary Show, 'On the road in Guatemala'. There have been an amazing number of initiatives carried out there under the guidance of Jacqueline and others. The poor people of that land need outside help due to their own Government's inertia. They want to be productive, to find ways to grow, and to make an income to support their families. One of those items of commerce is the gorgeous scarves many of us purchase. Others join in to help build latrine's, showers, stoves, experiencing, in Jacqueline's words, a transformation in the volunteering to do these things.
Classes are organized around nutrition, computers, literacy, and entrepreneurship. The improvements are kept simple and easy to employ. Even their gardens are now producing crops thanks to the advice of a Rotarian. Jacqueline is doing a yeoman job of improving the lives of the Mayans who have adopted her into their community. She mentioned that the first Mayan Rotarian, dues paid by volunteers, has joined the local club. Good story. The other Good Story is our own Mary Canty who at a youthful 92 went to the top of the mountain in Lake Atitlan with a group. One young man kept walking past her and finally said..."After meeting you I will never be afraid to grow old." Bravo to him for saying it and Big Bravo to Mary for being such a wonderful role model...for everyone.
Joan Peggs thanked our speakers. Joan then asked for homes for 29 flags and urges all of us to think of a neighbour who can join in...at a reduced price too for the rest of the year. Be patriotic!
John Jordan reminds us to support his work in Rwanda by coming to his bountiful plant sale on Saturday from 10 to 2 at 178 Beach Drive. Let's Grow Together!
Perry reminds us of the Paul Harris dinner on Thursday October 2nd. Tickets $60 each and the event will be at the Hotel. Let's all support Perry in making this a success! Time to recognize others deserving of a Paul Harris!
Sang to the little old lady in the Palace and back to the sunshine. Does anyone else find God Save the Queen stuck in their brain while going back to work? My receptionist asked me one time if what she heard me humming was really what she thought it was. It's a catchy little tune.
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