Reporter: Tav McPherson
A boisterous gathering was brought to order by President, Heather Aked. Heather reminded those in attendance that January is Vocation Month. She told us that her childhood dream was to be a biologist (but did not disclose how she ended up as a successful financial advisor). She invited us to share our childhood dreams with the others at our table over lunch.
After a lusty performance of our National Anthem, Rod Sim set a record for the shortest blessing ever delivered. Promptly at 12:45 pm, the meeting program commenced with recognition of our guests. Brian Lamb welcomed visiting Rotarians, Patricia Tubbe, St. Albert; Tom Kofin, Edmonton South and Ali Edgell, Victoria. Rotaractors: Riley Strother and Leah Anthony. Flori Ens and Colleen Force were also our guests.
Announcements were made by Heather Aked (2), Rod Sim and Mary Canty.
Lorna Curtis noted the misdeeds of various members and mercilessly separated them from their money. She also noted an anniversary for Steve Sharlow and Club anniversaries for Anne Sims and David Maxwell. A number of members expressed their happiness with small contributions and one or two deposited sad dollars. Tom Croft won the draw.
Guest Speaker:
Tom Croft introduced club member, Ryan Gisler who delivered an interesting vocational talk. Ryan is a mechanical engineer but rather than speak in general terms about his occupation, he focused on the outcome of an idea when engineering principals were applied.
His example was the construction of a suspension bridge at Elk Falls. The Rotary Club of Campbell River was a partner in the project and the timeline for the project lasted for six years from 2009 until 2015. The bridge opened last Spring and is 60 meters in span and hangs 64 meters over the river canyon which makes it the highest pedestrian bridge on Vancouver Island. Ryan used the term “inceptioneering” to describe the process used to build the bridge. He illustrated how to seize an idea and move it from concept to completion, co-coordinating partners, suppliers and construction. With a cost in excess of half a million dollars, the project resulted in many beneficial outcomes. The bridge is part of the Millennial Trail Network and joins two previously separate parts of the same park. He remarked on the bountiful wildlife in the area including eagles, otters, cougars and trout. Ryan noted the role of Rotary and said that the completed project was an illustration that a small idea can yield a big result when Rotary leverages its power to do things.
Well done and thank you Ryan. This was a most interesting talk. Ryan was suitably thanked by Steve Sharlow.
Jim Force on Lorna Curtis' achievements:
The second part of the program saw President, Heather invite Past President, Jim Force, to take the floor. Jim commented on the large number of members who give their time and talent to Rotary projects. None more so than Lorna Curtis. Over the last couple of years, Lorna has spearheaded a project that has had a significant impact on the whole of the Greater Victoria region. The Food Share Network project will mean that less food is wasted and more people, children especially, will receive nourishment. Lorna was able to stimulate the interest and participation of almost all the local Rotary clubs as well as draw together other significant partners, notably the local Thrifty Foods stores and the Victoria Foundation. Her drive and commitment were examples to us all.
Carol Hall of the Victoria Foundation stood and noted Lorna’s vision and leadership and also commenting that Lorna was a pleasure to work with because she made everything fun. She presented Lorna with a collage of framed photos as a token of thanks.
Ali Edgell (Past President, Victoria) also took the floor. She commented how Lorna had taken the car raffle and turned it into a multi-club project involving over 400 Rotarians in 10 clubs serving eight different communities. She further noted Lorna’s organization and drive in making this project a success. Lorna thanked all Rotarians for their support. She was surprised by the recognition and suggested that no-one can do projects such as the Food Share Network on their own. Lorna deservedly received a standing ovation from the appreciative attendees.
No comments:
Post a Comment