Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 25 August 2015 - Richard Leblanc from the Homeless Society

Reporter: Lorna Curtis 

President Heather opened the meeting by reviewing the meaning of the word ‘club’ which dates back to the early 17th century.  She outlined the different kinds of clubs - gentlemen's, social and service club,s to name a few.

Ron Cooley welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Visiting Rotarian Joel Fagan from the Saanich Club, Clara Bradley and Patrick Ntwari from Rotaract.  Tammy, Alexandra and Mark Ages, guests of David Maxwell; Jill Croft, guest of Tom; Eileen Lavigne, guest of Steve Sharlow; Lisa Cairns, guest of Jack Petrie; Helga Jacobson, guest of Naida; Richard Leblanc, guest speaker; Christine VanReeuwyk, guest of Rod Sim, and Dianne Laird, guest of Heather Aked.

Announcements:

• President Heather bid a fond farewell to Dave Maxwell who is temporarily moving to Toronto. The hotel made a special farewell cake for dessert, and President Heather presented Dave with the Rotarian of the month pin.
• Jim Force presented Clare Bradley, co-president of Rotaract, with a cheque for $250 to send a Rotaractor to the Big West Conference in Seattle, this fall.
• President Heather presented Jim Force with a membership pin for sponsoring two new members.
• Lynne announced she has to have the shunt redone and hopes to start dialysis in the next couple of weeks.
• Lorna announced the Chili Cook Off, a Westshore Rotary Club fundraiser on Saturday, August 29th at Millstream Village 11am to 2pm. $7 to sample chili and vote for a winner. The fee includes a hot dog and drink.
• Sabrina asked club members to consider making a $20 donation to host a Rotaract or interact student to come to lunch this Rotary Year. 
• Mandy announced she is working with Ann McIntyre at Disaster Aid Canada on the Soap for Hope Program.  Thursday, September 3^rd Disaster Aid Canada will have an open house to increase their profile in community. Come and find out more about the Soap for Hope Program and enjoy lunch at one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

Dave Maxwell, Chair of the Club Foundation, presented the $1000, 2015 Rotary Scholarship Award to Alexandra Ages. 

The winner of the Rotary Scholarship Award is selected based on the candidate’s record of academic excellence, demonstration of leadership qualities, and the motto ‘Service Above Self’. 

Alexandra was chosen because of her record of community service and leadership initiative.  Alexandra served as a School Peer Counselor at Oak Bay High School; a member of the Island Sexual Health Youth Committee; a member and lead of the Mental Health Forum of the Greater Victoria Youth Council; a Youth Facilitator for the Red Cross International, and a member of the Syrian Refugee Aid Club.  In addition, Alexandra co-chaired the Climate Action Summit for YesBC Youth, and was the recipient of Oak Bay High School’s 2015 Humanitarian Award. 

Alexandra thanked the club for their support.  She is registered to attend UVIC this fall and promises to join the Rotaract Club.

Guest Speaker:

Tom Croft introduced the speaker Richard Leblanc from the Homeless Society. Richard told us a story of a woman who had a family, home and good job.  Due to a car accident, she lost her husband and two childrem and her life spiralled downward until she ended up homeless. Apparently, this story is not uncommon among the homeless.  Richard has been working with her and she has now turned her life around.

In 2001, 360 homeless were on the streets of Victoria; now there are approximately 1700.  Even with help, only 5 percent of the homeless change their life.  Life expectancy for the homeless is around age 45. How we currently deal with the homeless is not working but there are other ways such as therapeutic models. One such model, in Italy, has a 72 percent success rate.   1500 people have developed a town, they have a common dining room, they work on a farm – they are given dignity and respect. 

Street people cost about $60,000 per person, per year, for social services, policing etc. The therapeutic model costs $28,000 per year per person.

Richard talked about Woodwynn Farms, a therapeutic community for the homeless.  It is a 200 acre farm, 25 minutes from downtown Victoria, where residents start their day with yoga, hold group meetings, and work on the farm growing fruits and vegetables. In the evening,  residents are allowed to leave the farm. It is a clean and sober facility. A key aim  is to keep residents away from the downtown core and any triggers. The residents' sugar and coffee consumption is limited. Before residents come to the farm, they usually spend 7-9 days in detox at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Six years into the operation, the program has a 45-50 percent success rate.  Currently there are 2-9 residents but the Farm can house 96. There is a need to get permit approval to move to the next level. The average stay is 13-14 months but a 3 year stay is required to make a long lasting life change. Woodwynn Farm is always looking for funding to assist with  its program.

Mary Canty thanked Richard and suggested that the club visit Woodwynn Farm. 

50/50:

Brian Lamb, Sergeant at Arms, fined greeters that were late!  Tav apparently is a model for standing at attention when singing the Canadian national anthem - anyone not standing like Tav was fined.

Heather fined for chaos at the start of the meeting, Dave fined just because. Mary Canty fined for not signing in. Lorna did not get fined for taking bulletin notes! The investment folks fined for putting the market in a tailspin. 

Anniversaries: Jean and Peter Lawrie,  Neil and Laura Madson

Happy/Sad Dollars: Joan and Dallas thanked everyone for their support and concern over their recent health issues.

Heather finally had the Italian Dinner at Jack and Brannan Petrie’s (one she purchased a few years ago at the Tuscan Dinner) – Ron and Jane Cooley joined them.  

Lori and Heather excited to play in the Kool Aid Golf Tournament.

Visitor Lisa Cairns gave a happy $5 - she has heard about Rotary and Polio but had no idea we have so much fun at meetings.

Dave Maxwell gave $1000 cheque  - $500 to each RI and Club Foundations.

Mandy - 4-year anniversary - attending an Indian wedding this weekend in Vancouver.

Vicky won the draw!

Jack Petrie called Dave Maxwell up the front along with Lorna, Joan F, Ron Cooley and Heather. Each gave highlights of Dave’s time in the Oak Bay Rotary Club, comparing his deeds to the 4 Way Test.  

The meeting ended by the club singing ‘For He's the Jolly Good Fellow’.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting of 18 August 2015 - Daniel Doherty of End Point Vision

Reporter: Lorna Curtis

President Heather opened the meeting by reminding us at the beginning of the importance of obtaining new members by looking at current classifications to see if there are members needed in any specific classification areas.

Guests:

Anne Sims introduced guests: Eileen Lavigne and Daniel Doherty, and visiting Rotarians, Bruce Willis and Colin Smith.

Announcements:

• Dallas updated us on Joan Firkins' health.
• Peter Sou had surgery but will be back in a couple of weeks
• The Board meets the 3rd Monday of each month and any member is welcome to attend a board meeting.  The next Board meeting is September 21st.
• The Paul Harris Dinner has been postponed until a later date.
• John Jordan announced his end of year plant sale on August 26th/27th. He has 600 plants for sale.  Proceeds from the plant sale go towards John's Rwanda project.
• Heather reminded us to go into the RI website and sign up for My Rotary. 
• Also, please sign up for the Sept 29th tour of the museum and lunch at the Spaghetti Factory – there will be no other meeting that week.

50/50:

Brian Lamb came to the podium as Celebrations Master. He immediately fined Perry, Janna, Jenna and Steve for not signing in. Those not wearing a pin were fined.  Tav was fined for a picture of him in a newspaper, on a golf course, but with no Rotary pin in sight. Those who did not give Brian exact change at the cash desk were fined.  Ron was fined for trying to make Brian feel guilty. Sandy was fined for snatching extra desserts. Giles was fined just because.

Birthdays: Corey Burger and Bill Burns, Don O'Coffey.

Lots of happy and sad dollars.

Steve Sharlow won the draw but not the big pot.

Guest Speaker:

Bruce Willis introduced the guest speaker Dan Doherty of END POINT VISION. "When you want to build your capacity for high performance in your personal life, work, sports or other area of passion, EPV gives you the tools to succeed. Learn performance theory, and practice setting up powerful EPV structures in the areas of your life in which you choose to excel." 

Dan is a founder of a company that works to make higher education better.

Are you living your dream?  What you do internally and how it affects you externally. Dan encouraged Rotarians to set visions and goals to do good work in the world.

Wynn thanked the speaker.

Closed to Mexico's national anthem.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 11 August 2015 - Benton Mischuk on the new Immigration Scheme

Reporter: Anne Sims

President Heather opened the meeting and called us to order. We started with the “O Canada”. Wolf Schopper gave the invocation in German.

VISITORS & GUESTS: Steve Sharlow announced our visiting Rotarians:

Kim McGowan and Laima Pakstas from the Victoria Club and our guests: Tim Doherty, Vicky Pitt's spouse;  Ellen Lavigne, guest of Steve Sharlow and; our guest speaker Benton Mischuk.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Heather gave our Rotary pin to Ellen Lavigne 

Mary Canty gave an update from Batya and David Westler. They are still in Israel to take care of their son.

Joan Peggs asked our members to sign up for our Flag subscriptions.

Perry Bamji announced our nominations for the Paul Harris awards were due for today.

Celebrations Master: Jim Laing

His first question to our club was: “Who is on the front page on the Rotarian magazine in August?” Those who did not have the answer were fined. The Rotarian is Robb Knuepler. He reached top of his field, re-imagined retirement and went back to school.

Jack advised that Dave Maxwell is leaving us for a time. Dave is moving to Toronto. But he will be back!

Jack Petrie was fined for off- key on the O Canada. All members were fined if we do not have at least 2 Rotary pins.  

Birthdays: Don O'Coffey (80^th!), John Edgell, Corey Burger. Anniversaries: Bill Burns (#1) and Dallas Chapple. Rotary anniversaries: Pete Lawrie and Don O'Coffey.

The 50/50 was won by Ron Cooley who pulled out the black marble.

GUEST SPEAKER:

Jenny Hildebrand introduced Benton Mischuk. Benton has over 17 years’ experience dealing with immigration issues in private legal practice and working  for the  federal and provincial government. He was posted overseas as a visa officer, working in the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia. Benton joined Sheffman & Company in 2015.

Benton’s talk was about the  the economic immigrant.  He explained an  electronic application program  for permanent residence applications, which was introduced in January 2015. It is called Express Entry and enables Canada to choose skilled immigrants as permanent residents based on their ability to settle in Canada and take part in our economy.  Generally it creates an increased lack of certainty for people wishing to apply for permanent residence status. For more information click here. 

Neil Rawnsley thanked Benton for his overview of immigration law and presented our Rotary Mug.

Our closing was the National Anthem of Rwanda.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay meeting 4 August 2015 - Collette Travel

Reporter: Tom Croft

President Heather opened the meeting a little late at 12:20!.  She welcomed us to the 5^th meeting of her term.  Membership and Extension Month, challenges us to sit with someone new, and invite someone out for coffee or lunch.  The social team is working on events to promote fellowship.

O’ Canada was sung with gusto reflecting the mood of an election call!

 Don O’Coffey provided grace and was thankful that we have 78 days to make up our minds on who to vote for.  He felt the cost of the election could be better spent on homelessness.

Visitors and Guests: visiting Rotarian Bruce Willats from Laguna Beach; Anna Coleshaw-Echols, guest of Ron Cooley; Eileen Lavigne, guest of Steve Sharlow ,

Announcements:

• Heather offered Rotary Pins to those who had signed up online: Eileen Lavigne and Rod Sims. However, Heather had left the pins at home.
• Perry reminded us of the Paul Harris Award Nominations closing this week.  
• John (?) is looking for kitty litter trays?

Celebration Master:  is Jim Laing now typecast, as the celebration master,  to bring humour and lightness to meetings. Bob Schelle fined for speaking out; Heather Aked fined for not having Pins and a late  start; Vicky Pitt fined for hair day? Joan said something to David about his hair colour, apparently caused by going out in the sun.  Perry fined for cutting in on the Master.

Wedding anniversaries for Phil, Wynn, and David. 

Happy Sad Dollars: Lorna gave an emotional thank you for work on the Food Rescue program. Congratulations to the Rotary Car Raffle for making the $100,000 goal for food rescue for homeless. Tom was happy because of  daughter's wedding, Vicky was happy because Nigeria went a full year without Polio, Anne was happy about her warehouse.

Happy thoughts go to Joan Firkins for a healthy recovery and the work she does for Rotary in the world.

Brian won free lunch!

Speaker:  Tom MacLean from Collette Travel   Click here for more information

Steve Sharlow introduced the speaker,Tom MacLean, who spoke to us about us about river and land tours, offered by Collette Travel and available from travel agents.  Tom has been with the company for 14 years, and has travelled to many countries in 6 continents.

The tours are aimed at the 50 + age group; a discerning client base; and those interested in cultural learning experiences. Door to door limo service is available, most meals, and wine with lunch and dinner. The tours are mostly inclusive of sightseeing options and 4 star, centrally located accommodation. Change of mind cancellation is available, for whatever reason, 24 hours before departure, with a refund, not a future credit.

The talk focused on the Legendary Waterways of Europe boat tour available June 10, 2016 offering 16 days, 41 meals, 5 countries and 3 rivers, on the Amadeus Princess. Tom provided a great pictorial tour of the trip on the rivers from Budapest to Amsterdam.

Tom fielded a number of questions and the presentation was greatly appreciated by all present.

Jack Petrie thanked Tom for his presentation, and said that it was so real that he felt that he had jet lag, had gained 5 pounds and  also had a hangover!  Tom received his mug with thanks.

Heather closed the meeting on time with God Save the Queen!

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 28 July 2015 - Club Day - Report from the Committees

Reporter:  Renate Gibbs

Opening:   President Heather opened the meeting and called us to order.  Members and guests assembled, then sang a rendition of ‘O Canada’.     Tom Lidkea gave the invocation.

Guests: 

Tav McPherson announced the Visiting Rotarians (Creole Carmichael, Victoria Club, Patricia Labbe, St. Albert Club, and Bruce Willats, Laguna Beach Club ) and Guests (Peter Jones guest of Patricia Labbe and Dan Doherty guest of Bruce Willats).

Announcements:

·                  Heather Aked recognized our Rotarian of the Month, Steve Sharlow, and he was presented with a pin.

·                  Joan Firkins reported on her involvement with ‘Family Health and Aids Prevention’ and the ‘Rotary Family Health Days’ (RFHD).  This program, which began in 2005, was originally called the ‘Rotarians Fighting Aids’ in Uganda.  The power of this project is the  support it provides in promoting a healthy future for parents and their children.  Today, it spans Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa with a focus on HIV, AIDs, Malaria, TB, Hypertension, Polio and Diabetes, to name a few.  RFHD in India, in February 2016, will be a pilot project which will require a Global Grant of $30,000 and Joan will match contributions from our club up to $1000 – we hope to raise $2,500. Click HERE for additional information.

·                  Rod Sims reported on the status of the Rotary Club of Oak Bay Foundation formed in 2009, and registered as a Charitable Public Foundation in 2011.  Currently, Board members include David Maxwell (President), Tav McPherson (Vice President), Rod Sims (Treasurer), Jim Force, Joan Peggs, and Steve Sharlow.  Victoria Pitt had to step down as Secretary and that position remains vacant.  With $42,000 in assets currently, $30,0000 is endowed, and the plans are to support scholarships as this amount grows.  Another $11,000 are restricted funds which are designated, and the remaining amount is unrestricted.  A newly launched Ted  Harrison Legacy Fund will exist under the Endowment Funds.  An example of the support provided by the Foundation is the Oak Bay High School’s Totem Pole.

·                  Neil Rawnsley presented a first time Paul Harris Fellowship to Lori McLeod, and this was designated by Heather Aked.

Celebrations Master

Lori McLeod started the momentum by requesting the name of the August 1^st holiday in each province, and this emptied a number of tables of loonies and toonies with efficiency.  Happy and Sad $ were from Heather, whose niece now has a baby girl; Bill B, who survived his 6 year old granddaughter’s visit; Tav McPherson, who participated in last week’s Uplands Golf Club charity event that raised $135,000; Lori McLeod, whose son celebrated his 30^th birthday and; Giles Baxter who celebrated his 80^th birthday.  Janette  had the winning ticket number for the 50-50 draw for some cash but left the winning marble for the big bucks behind.

Club Day Reports:

President’s Report – Heather Aked is working to meet the Presidential Citation. With several opportunities already in place and sponsored, we are well underway.  

Youth Services – Jim Force briefly addressed the 25^th anniversary of the Interact Club of Oak Bay Youth, and Lori McLeod’s grant application for the Memory Café in the amount of $25,000.  The first meeting will take place August 1, 2015.

Community Service - Sandy Currie explained that this year’s focus will be on a soon to be designated Elementary School Program, as well as coordinating with Youth Services and Friends of Uplands Park.  This is a truly collaborative project.  The next meeting will take place during the last week of August, 2015. Stay tuned for the date!

International Service - John Jordan and Mandy Pui shared in the opportunity to update us on the projects which will include a matching grant for the Rwanda Eco Sanitation Project of $3,500; India Family Days (Joan Firkins); Mexico Mobile Library Project (John Edgell); Kenya Youth Leadership (Anne M); Lesutu – Preschool Nutrition (Naida Hyde); Disaster Resources (Anne M) and; Malawi (Bill Burns). Although these projects are not involved in matching grants, they will receive support staggered over 2015 and 2016.  There may be a funding gap as a result of  not having the New Orleans Dinner event in 2015. We welcome club input on which projects we can afford to support..

Membership- Bill Burns endorsed the club’s goal to increase and maintain our membership, with a focus to encourage 8 to 10 new members in order to cover departures.  The next meeting occurs this Tuesday, August 4^th at 1120 AM.

Public Image- Perry Bamji reminded us that Steve Sharlow is taking the lead on revamping the club’s website, maintaining the Facebook page and establishing a Twitter account.  The mandate of PI is to disseminate information at regular intervals. He mentioned the club bulletin, the website, and Facebook as carriers of information, and urged members to read them and take part. Perry spoke of the Paul Harris Awards evening on October 22^nd at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Perrri stressed this is an important PI event to showcase Rotary to the citizens of Victoria.  Those nominated must be a first time awardee and available to attend the dinner on  October 22.  Nominations will be accepted until August 11^th.  As this is a small committee, more members are welcome!
Administration- Bob Schelle explained how Program Speakers will alternate between those representing causes, and those who speak on general interest subjects. This elicited strong support  and appreciation by those present.
 
Closing:

The meeting ended with a musical rendition of the National Anthem of Spain.