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!