Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting of 23 February 2016 - Carin and Neil Powell's talk on South Africa

Reporter: Jack P

Photos: Jack P.  

It was difficult to get to the meeting today, while looking left and right at all the exploding blossoms. February. Wow!

Heather started the meeting with a clip of Rotary International President John Germ of Chattanooga, Tennessee, whose message was doing good every chance we get as Rotarians. 

Invocation by Janna.

Another great Feast, Mexican styled. Are we not the best fed Rotary Club in the world? If you’ve attended other meetings, you may concur.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:

Visiting Rotarians: John Heragaty and Gerry Kelly of Harbourside and Lawrence Lewis of South Cowichan.

Guests: Alyx Valdal, hosted by Janna and our speakers Carin and Neil Powell, formerly from South Africa, in Victoria 22 years.

Announcements:

• John and Gerry are organizing details and volunteers for ‘The 54^th World Championships International Golfing Fellowship of Rotary. IGFR’ for Ausust 6-12, 2017.
• Mandy  was recognized by Prez Heather for all her hard work on behalf of the club...as our Rotarian of the month. Congratulations Mandy!
  
• Jim Force again beseeched us all to help the RYLA girls on their trip to Washington State and there are 2 options...all 5 girls from local clubs, or our 2 only. That means the van...or one vehicle which makes it easier. We need a driver!
• Jim reminded us of "Club in a Pub" this Thursday...and stay tuned for Jim’s Book Drive announcements.
• Heather gave a friendly reminder of the District Conference June 24-26. Try to attend!
• Pete Lawrie talked of Pablo’s hard work and dedication getting the fund-raising concert going. This coming Saturday Feb. 27^th at 2:30. Get your tickets and help us all!
• CLUB SOCIAL SATURDAY MARCH 12^TH AT JACK AND BRANNAN’S HOUSE A sign up sheet is being circulated. It’s called TROPICAL SPRINGTIME SOIREE, $25 PER HEAD covers food and cocktails. RSVP by March 1!!

50/50: 

Our Celebration Master Tom Croft tested, table by table, our Rotary History knowledge (seeing that Feb. 23 is the 111^th birthday of Rotary) and collected much coinage. 

The writer was roasted for taking on too many duties this week. (Meeting set up, photo taker, bulletin writer, sponsor of Pablo’s Concert, plus the Emcee). How exhausting! Fun though too!!

Guest Speakers:

Our speakers Carin and Neil were riveting as they tag-teamed their presentation with a slide show, highlighting the awful deterioration of South Africa, where they had farmed for many years.

The corruption and violence rampant in this beautiful country is astoundingly sad. They lived through apartheid and changes in Government including that of Nelson Mandela, a good era. Not so anymore. It was a huge eye opener for all of us and we were asked to pay attention to the plight of these poor citizens and to help where we can. Moving and Informative presentation indeed.

On the lighter side, the next time you propose a toast before dining, instead of ‘Bon Appetit’...use the South African one... ‘Born Up a Tree’

Heads Up out there and remember that those falling petals can clog your nostrils if you’re not careful. Enjoy!

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 16 February 2016 – ACBC bikes, Victoria

Reporter: Janette N.

Photos: Bob S.

Guests:

Anne M. introduced the guests: Anthony Scandale, Andy Scandale and Kate Rhodes – guests of Pablo and our speakers from ACBC bikes: W Scott Montgomery and Mike Harrington.

We had a wonderful, musical treat. A lovely, young soprano performed “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera, accompanied by an exquisite performance by our Pablo, on violin, and a stellar pianist. We were entranced. This was a teaser ahead of Pablo’s special fund raising concert on February 27^th.

Announcements:

• Mary reported that Ted C. had had an injury.
• As mentioned, Pablo’s Die Mahler concert next Saturday, February 27, is a major fund raiser as Pablo will donate the majority of the funds to our Literacy Project and $10 of each ticket goes to the Syrian Refugee Fund. Please buy some tickets. St. Mary Church, 1701 Elgin Road, Victoria at 2.30 p.m. Tickets are available at the McPherson Box office 1 888 7176121, at the door, or from Jenny H.  and Mandy P.
• Jenny and Mandy called for a donation of  $350 for a bottle of cider and a tour of Sea Cider. http://seacider.ca/  These were snapped up immediately by Heather, Tom and Rod.
• Joan P. gave a talk on the Sno’uyutth Pole project that culminated in the pole being installed at Oak Bay High School on November 22, 2015. The club was a major donor. Our club is featured on the pole, and our local Club Foundation now provides a scholarship from the remainder of the funds. We have the longstanding scholarship called the Oak Bay Rotary Scholarship worth $1000 annually and the second is the brand new Sno’uyutth Legacy scholarship of $500, which will increase as funds allow. The Oak Bay scholarship fund currently has an endowment of $30K and the Sno’uyutth has $15K. The Foundation is working hard to increase the value of both scholarships so donations are requested. To qualify, the student must be going on to further studies in the Fall of the year following Year 12. The Sno’uyutth scholarship is for First Nations students and will be awarded for the first time in 2016.
• The Flag Committee has its first meeting on the 15^th March. Please provide $50 to Rod S. to subscribe to the 3 flags installed on your lawn this coming year.
• Bob S. requires a social venue suggestion for a tour on 31 March. Bob needs a venue and we can have lunch close by, or the OB Beach Hotel can cater.
• Brian L. read out an email from the retiring principal of George Jay Elementary school which has received funds for musical instruments in 2015.  Leslie thanked our Rotary Club for the financial support we have given the school.

50/50:

Tom fined, amongst others, those who had had a winter holiday somewhere warm, those who didn’t have their pins, anyone who  hadn't signed in, any table that had more than two guests, any people not wearing red, and those who didn’t know the NBA game was on Monday. Happy $ from Heather regarding her son being accepted to the academic program at Esquimalt. Jim had a happy $ in regards to a person who worked 25 years for the Calgary co-op, bought a condo etc. thus illustrating how the co-op does so much to help those, whom may otherwise fall by the wayside. Anne McIntyre is happy about going back again to Mexico with enough money raised to complete a playground and washrooms at a local school. Pablo is happy that his granddaughter, 7, and a friend who is 8, will play at the concert on Saturday, February 27.

Guest speakers:

Ron C. introduced  Mike Harrington and W. Scott Montgomery, from ACBC, a non profit organisation benefiting the community and children. Click  HERE to read about this amazing organisation. They take kids out for weekly rides, build relationships within the community through safety awareness, promote a kids' dance troupe and make themed bikes for rock stars.

Some years ago, Scott showed a disadvantaged child how to weld. The child has now graduated from Camosun with a welding ticket. The rock star bikes are successful; a short term goal with a quick finish line.  Scott said it all started when he built a themed bike for his son and other children admired it. His daughter wanted a themed bike built for Ozzy Osborne and presented it to Ozzy at a concert. Gene Simmons gifted back the bike he received. They are working on an Aerosmith bike for Steve Tyler. Tristan is a special needs youth and worked on a bike for Ringo Starr.  Ringo Starr usually does not engage but he did and he wrote back to say he had been riding his bike in NYC.

The children learn how to keep tools neat and tidy and organised in the “tool School”. Once a month the children all ride to the Palaggio Pizzeria and get free pizza. They have a dance troupe and they work with Heroes Inc group to put on a show. They participate in the Victoria Day parade and the Santa Parade. The Children help to decorate a bus and participate in the Parade. Cherry Bomb Toys put on a show. They also take the children on field trips such as a B17 tour. The children talked to the pilots and went on board. Last Saturday, they launched their 2016 season with a tour of the Blue Bridge. The dance troupe girls perform at e.g. seniors’ homes and they make their own costumes.

They also get involved in remote controlled vehicles and repair wheeled cars that are donated. They have over 150 bikes and they are brought out each Sunday  for children to ride. They did a safety event whereby the kids were shown where to ride in relation to a large truck. 

There are over 100 members and families signing up each week. They are trying to get themselves into a facility that is secure, affordable and can house the bikes, as right now they are crammed into a small space.  Why support the club? They are non-profit with a proven track record, bringing different generations and different nationalities together, in the local community. Click HERE  to read their amazing story and donate to this charity. Joan F. thanked the speakers. 

We closed with the national anthem of Iceland, rated as the most peaceful country in the world.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 9 February, 2016 - Rudi Wallace from The Mustard Seed

Reporter: Jack P.

Photos: Bob S.

Heather commenced our meeting with the reminder that February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month. After a flamboyantly pedantic O Canada , Will led us in the Invocation and then the orderly stampede to the buffet table with Jim Force dispensing soup as if in a Charles Dickens novel. 

Guests:

Much lively banter ensued at the tables as Joan Firkins introduced our visiting Rotarian Frank Elman from Sydney, Nova Scotia, our Rotaractors, Mia Kennedy, Ellsa Stauft, Joey Vaesen, and Cetareh, whose last name is such a long and challenging exercise, that even she doesn’t offer it. Sort of like ‘Beyonce’. No last name required. Guests included Maureen Madsen guest of dad Neil; Barbara Campbell, guest of Pablo, and Rudi Wallace, our speaker.

Announcements:

• Mary reported on good health in the club 
• Heather reminded all of the upcoming DLTA Conference, April 1-3, at the Victoria Conference Centre, with early bird registration being extended until 14 February.  For more information and registration CLICK HERE 
• Jim asked for a volunteer driver/chaperone to take 2 of our local girls to RYLA, over the March 10-13 weekend, in Portland. 
• Prez Heather then gave Paul Harris pins to Janette, her first,  
  

and to Will his third.

• Prez Heather also praised Rotaractor Joey Vaesen for his enthusiastic recruiting for our Christmas fun run. Lots more younger folks resulted, thanks to Joey.

50/50:

Celebrations Master, Tav, challenged us about a number of smarty pants things, many to do with the other event in February besides the Super Bowl: Chinese New Year! Who knew? He roasted Ron for his hockey injury, and Lynne for wearing green in advance of St. Patrick's day. Happy and Sad dollars were accompanied with tales of black eyes from falling (Lynne), a one year anniversary of meeting attendance by  Eileen, and a "fresh from a Caribbean Cruise" Heather.  Janette, obviously hogging the spotlight after her Paul Harris award, also won the draw but was brought back down to earth by not selecting a black ball.

Guest Speaker:

Brian introduced Rudi Wallace, from The Mustard Seed. 

Our speaker was brilliant, articulate, easy to follow and very interesting indeed. Rudi has been with the Mustard Seed for 5 years and is the architect of where the $100,000 raised in the car raffle, and matched by the Victoria Foundation, will go and how it will be dispersed, to build a better infrastructure for the “Food Rescue Plan". Our community is full of ‘Food Insecure’ people who qualify for this title when they worry about where their next meal will come from. 50,000 is the number that Rudi estimates.

Mary eloquently and wittily thanked him. Rudi  departed full of mug and from this writer's viewpoint, had an upbeat experience with his tablemates.

It was a good day all round, capped by our exit to a sunny, warm Victoria, armed with the bonhomie and good natured fellowship that a buoyant club like ours engenders. We are fortunate indeed!

(For an article in the Times Colonist on The Mustard Seed Food Rescue Plan CLICK HERE)

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting of 2 February 2016 - B.A.C.A.: Bikers Against Child Abuse

Reporter: Janette N
Photos: Jack P and Bob S

Lorna C, acting president, presided. She reminded us of our theme of being a "gift to the world"; that it is a leap year, so the ladies can propose; and it is the Year of the Monkey.

Naida introduced the guests: Names TBA

Announcements:

• Mary advised on the health of the club and mentioned a couple of people who had had medical treatment.
• Perry on the PI committee announced that 5 people met to select Paul Harris fellows.  Joan F, Tav M, Neil R, Ron C and Michelle L.  They selected 3 candidates: Hazel Braithwaite, Councillor at the District of Oak Bay; Bob McDonald of Quirks and Quarks on the CBC; and Tania Miller, the conductor of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra. 
• Tickets for the Paul Harris evening  are going on sale at the end of the month and will be $60 each. Date: Thursday 21 April, with the "prosecco" reception starting at 6 pm followed by a 3 course dinner, at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
• Mandy  reminded us of the fund raising concert: Di Mahler, organised by our violinist member, Pablo. $10 from each ticket will go to the Syrian Refugee Fund, sponsored by St. Philip church. There are 400 tickets available and are $35 each. This is a not to be missed, classical music event  on  February 27, at 2.30 p.m, St Mary’s church: 1701 Elgin Street.
• Please note the email which purported to have been sent by Wolff recently, was spam - delete it.
• Garon’s parents thanked all for the  party, last week, held in Garon’s honour.

50:50:

Wynn was celebrations master and his range of questions prompted Lorna to comment that he had been reading too much of Wikipedia! We were all exhausted by the breadth of his questions. Perhaps it was pub quiz night at the OB Beach hotel?:

• Those who had not been to Club in a Pub in 2016 were fined.
• Those who don’t  pronounce Caribbean properly (with the emphasis on the b instead of the i) were fined.
• Questions asked by Wynn included: Where was Republican, Ted Cruz, born and at which hospital? (Born in Calgary).  What do Conrad Black and Ted Cruz have in common? (Renounced Canadian citizenship.)
• Wynn mentioned Groundhog Day but I didn't catch what the question was! 
• Wynn pulled out a long, white candle from his inside jacket pocket, and said it was useful during an earthquake. (I wonder if he keeps one there all the time?). He asked what alternative materials to candle wax have been used. (Tallow and whale oil). What does candle light measure, he asked. (Candela). He then asked about Luminosity. All this science had us stumped and everyone had to pay. 
• When is the next earthquake expected he asked. Some said “anytime” and he said, “when it happens, I will return your $ but everyone has to pay.” 
• Another question was when was sunrise today? (7.42 a.m.)

Happy/Sad:

Our visiting Rotarian from Edmonton paid $5 for enjoying the visit to Victoria. David P was 83 years young today, and he donated $83. Don O was happy because enough money has been raised by his fundraising organisation for Syrian refugees, to sponsor 3 families. Lorna is happy because she is going down to SF to visit her 2 granddaughters next week.

Wendy won the draw and drew a clear marble.

Guest Speakers:

Bob S introduced the speakers from B.A.C.A. – Bikers Against Child Abuse.  Their names are “Tugs" and “Pops”. Tugs is from England and Pops is from Montreal.

They have pseudonyms for the purpose of anonymity. Their talk was heartwarming and moving. They do simply amazing work and are waiting for their charity status in Victoria, at which time, they will be able to accept donations. BACA  first started in the USA, where the charitable organisation receives Federal and State funding. The various geographical groups are called "chapters".

Tugs showed a movie clip from CrimeWatchers, in the USA, to provide us with an overall understanding of BACA and how it operates. From the film clip we learned the following: the purpose of BACA is to protect children from abuse. "Tombstone" is the President of this International non-profit group to assist children who have been abused by those close to them. Incidents are referred by law enforcement agencies such as the Justice Department. The volunteer bikers in BACA escort abused children to therapy, to court and even go to their homes, if asked in the middle of the night, to stand guard outside their home. Each child is presented with a vest and the whole chapter goes to meet the child. The bikers themselves have been changed though the experience; they play with dolls and do face painting. The volunteer bikers have to go through a background check and are fingerprinted. The organisation relies on donations. For donations check back on their charitable status in Victoria, through Bob S.

Tuggs told the audience that research/statistics show that 1 in 3 girls will be abused and 1 in 5 boys. It is possible that one perpetrator can affect up to 400 victims. Anyone can join BACA but not if they have been convicted of  any type of physical abuse, or if he or she has been a spouse abuser. Volunteers are fingerprinted every year and are tightly controlled.

On Vancouver Island, there is one chapter in Bowser but there is no established chapter in Victoria. All the members on the Island will go to the mainland. Recently, they went to Mission for a level 1. 30 bikers pulled up to the house.  There were 2 traumatised children because their mother’s partner had tied them up and they witnessed him killing their mother. On this occasion, they joined the Fraser Valley chapter. The visit resulted in the children going from withdrawn and silent, to laughing.

Pops explained the organisation is not big on social media due to privacy issues.  They are trying to liaise with the police and court officials for referrals  to assist.

Due to many questions from the audience, we also learned the following:

• BACA was started in Utah by “Chief” and “Thor”. Chief is a welfare officer and the child welfare system deals with child abuse cases but there is no further contact with the child after the case has finished.  
• With BACA, the children become part of the “family” and are so, for life. BACA will put sentries outside the house, escort the child to school and will watch out for the child 24/7 .
• They have 9 members in the Victoria chapter, which is affiliated with the Bowser chapter  that has up to 50 members. 
• There are 4 women members on Vancouver Island.. 
• They are on call through cell phone contact.
• They do not have any government assistance in Canada.
• Level 1 is where they meet the children and the family to empower them. Level 2 results in them escorting to school and sitting outside their house. Level 3 is where they ask the perpetrator to stop. Level 4 results in circulating leaflets to the neighbourhood, about the perpetrator. 
• Their overall objective is to provide a sense of support to the children and put a protective  barrier up between the children and the perpetrators.

Eugen thanked the speakers and expressed gratitude for their work followed by a presentation of Rotary mugs.

(For further information on BACA including the mission statement, a video, and a link to donate to the International organisation, click on bacaworld.org  and click here for a video and article which describes BACA as "jaw dropping". Thank you for what you do for the children. You really are a "Gift to the World")

Lorna closed the meeting by mentioning it is Family Day next Monday.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 26 January 2016 - Mark Salter, Tour Coordinator of the Songhees Nation Wellness Centre

Reporter: Tav Macpherson

Opening the meeting promptly at 12:15 p.m., President Heather Aked reminded us of the significance of Vocation Month.  She told us that there are many diverse vocations represented amongst the club’s membership.  However, there are many members who are not represented and this gives us a good reason to go out and attempt to attract new members.  Diversity of vocation creates a more interesting and dynamic club.

After the National Anthem was sung by all in attendance, Barry Mutter delivered the blessing before we enjoyed another delicious meal.

Guests:

Jack Petrie welcomed the following as our guests.  Visiting Rotarians included Kathy Nelson (Port McNeil), Frank Elman (Sydney, NS) and Tom Kofin (Edmonton South) as well as Rotaractors, Riley Strother and Sophie Gloy.  Guests of members were Colleen Force, Linda Cook and Mark Salter, today’s speaker.

Surprise Surprise!  

President Heather presided over a birthday party for one year old Garon.  Proud father, Ryan, brought the excited youngster up to sit on the stage, while Janna with equal pride, snapped photos.  Garon’s eyes were wide open and he expressed his excitement with his gifts with a big grin and the odd chortle of joy. 

The attendees sang “Happy Birthday”.  Joan Firkins presented Garon with a Paul Harris Fellowship.

Is he the youngest Paul Harris Fellow in the world?  The wonderful chocolate birthday cake was enjoyed by all. 

Happy Birthday Garon!

50/50:

Lorna Curtis once again got her hands on everyone’s wallets.  There were diverse fines for many misdemeanors.  Also recognizing that Robbie Burns Day was on Monday, Lorna went table by table quizzing everyone with trivia questions about the bard.  She found the members well educated and almost all the questions were answered without hesitation.  There were just a few happy and sad dollars and Jack Petrie was noted for his twelfth anniversary as a club member.  Brian Lamb won the draw.

Announcements: 

• Healther Aked:  DLTA is to be held on April 1-3, 2016 here in Victoria.  No excuses not to attend.
• Jim Force:  Thursday is the club’s 75^th Club in a Pub.
• President Heather invited Anne McIntyre to the podium and awarded her the honour of “Rotarian of the Month”.  Anne is a wonderful Rotarian, a hard worker with a ready smile.  She is the Director of Disaster Aid Canada in Victoria and runs it very effectively.  A well-deserved award, Anne!

Guest Speaker:

Eugen Bannerman introduced our guest speaker, Mark Salter, Tour Coordinator of the Songhees Nation Wellness Centre.  Mark is a graduate of Ryerson. Mark is a trained organic master gardener and is also a certified diver,  and lives aboard his 33 foot Hans Christian yacht.

Mark showed us a number of photographs of the Songhees Nations Wellness Centre.  This was the result of an eight year project which opened in 2014.  The three floors combine over 55,000 square feet containing education and administration services, a wellness centre, a basketball court and a fitness centre.

Outside are a series of totem poles carved by Butch Dick and other artists.  The Gift Gallery inside the main doors is a fair trade facility paying cash rather than taking artist’s works on consignment.  Their aim is to encourage artists to operate as successful business entities, as well as supporting their creative talents.

Mark went on to explain the close relationship with the Municipality of Oak Bay, which is located on former Lekwungen territories.  Willows Beach was considered a warm site as it faced the rising sun.  Excavations have suggested that there was a village situated here as far back as 2,600 years ago.  A treaties map illustrated the sites occupied by the different families that formed the Lekwungen family groupings.

There were also a number of photographs of cultural events and ceremonies.  One such photo shows the Chief with traditional dancers on the beach.  The dancers are flourishing under their current leader and have increased participation from three to 23 over the last 18 months.  Mark told us of Joan Morris, an elder who has been very involved with cultural tours in and around Oak Bay.  She had retreated with her family to live on Chatham Island in 1957 to avoid her children being removed and taken to a residential school.

Discovery and Chatham Islands are considered sacred territories and the public is not to trespass on these lands.  There are a number of burial cairns located there.  The islands are a treasure and the Songhees people want to keep them safe and clean.  The presence of a lone wolf is a noteworthy anomaly.  He is a coastal sea wolf and the nearest wolf pack is in the Cowichan area.  He is thriving and a photograph showed a strong, healthy animal.

Mark’s comments were well received and for those who would like to visit the Songhees Nations Centre, it is at 1100 Admirals Rd. Victoria. Mark is the first point of contact: telephone 250 3861043. He kindly left copies of the Songhees Nations 2015 Annual Report for our perusal.  It is a well presented and colourful document and describes the programs, services and performance of the past year. For photos and information pending a website click here.

Tom Croft thanked Mark Salter for his excellent presentation and noted that Mark is a great source of historical knowledge and information as well as a great resource for correct protocols.