Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting of 12 April 2016 - John Jordan on the Rwanda project

Reporter: Lorna C

Photo:      Jack P

Visiting Rotarians: Denis Pare – Victoria Rotary Club; Tom Kofin – Edmonton Rotary Club

Visiting Rotaractors: Cetarek Ing; Ellsa Stauft

Guests: Colleen Force – guest of Jim Force; Jennifer Hastings – guest of Mary Canty; Alyx Valdal – guest of Janna Gisler; Toni Jordan – guest of John Jordan

Announcements:

• Mary C reported that Brian L is doing okay but has very low energy – he hopes to be back to the Rotary meetings when he feels better.
• Denis Pare – The Victoria Rotary Club is hosting a Gala Dinner on May 6^th to raise funds for hospice in honour of their late member Pat Crofton.  The dinner/silent auction will be held at Victoria Golf Club and tickets are $125 each.  If you would like a ticket you can contact Denis HERE
• Joan Peggs – The flag program (club’s major fundraiser) is now underway.  166 subscriptions have been sold so far this year.  Please purchase a flag or ask your friends and neighbours to purchase a subscription.  We are hoping to sell 300 subscriptions. 
• John Jordon needs help to put flags on poles -11am May 3^rd at the hotel – please volunteer to help.
• Perry Bamji – The Paul Harris Dinner tickets have sold out.  There is one complimentary ticket left  - if you are attending and know of someone who is a potential Rotary member talk to Perry about using this ticket.  Members attending the Paul Harris dinner are asked to wear their medals and pins.  66% of the people attending are non-Rotarian.  Event starts at 6pm – if you have any dietary concerns please contact the hotel in advance. 
• PLEASE NOTE: The meetings on May 3, 10 and June 7 will not be meeting at the hotel.  May 3 and 10 will be at Oak Bay Recreation Centre, June 7 TBA.

50/50:

Ron C. – Celebrations Master fined those who are not attending the Paul Harris Dinner, hockey fans, golf fans and those who did not step up to take the bulletin notes.  Next time  he will be testing us on the latest Rotarian Magazine.

Happy/Sad Dollars – 
Cory got engaged this weekend.  

Jim announced the global grant for East Timor has been approved, $48,000 in medical equipment will be delivered – this all started out with $,1200 raised at a family reunion

Tom L – his wife lost the emerald from her ring a number of years ago – it has now been fixed and Tom is picking it up today.  Good luck with the proposal Tom!

Denis Pare – a Military Appreciation dinner will be held at the Union Club on April 29^th –public are welcome.  The Union Club offers a membership discount to  Rotarians.

Wendy – is off to Hawaii.

Neil R. – reminded us about the good work of the APU School in Malawi and the Food for Works program they have started.

Mandi – has launched a new website – howtodogood.com – first 12 hours had 100 facebook likes.  Let her know if you have an idea for a post.

Jenni H – is very proud of her son who is involved with the launch of iron and earth.org

Lorna’s son and daughter in law attending a facebook gala in LA tomorrow nigt – lots of celebrities will be there – WHY IS LORNA NOT INVITED?????

Guest Speaker: John Jordan

Mary Canty introduced the speaker, John Jordan.  John met his wife Toni while they were doing service with Habitat for Humanity – 16 years later they still volunteer.  John does tremendous work in Rwanda.

Rwanda is smaller than Vancouver Island but has 5 times the population.  John has been focusing on the training of youth who are often double orphans.  Last year he told us of a young boy who had been living on the street for a number of years.  John got him placed in a home and the boy is still there, has a family, and has started school.  John has come across two more children in a similar situation and they have also been placed in the same home. He showed excellent photos of the happy faces of the children who might otherwise have had a grim future.

It use to be that the key that a good future was assured by obtaining high school graduation but now, although a number of young people are graduating from high school, the educational requirement for teacher and government jobs, has increased to 2 years of college.  Therefore high school graduates are unable to find work. John has been working with these young people to redirect them to other types of vocations such as seamstressing, retail or how to start their own business, if it appears they will be unable to qualify for college.  There was some resistance from the students not wanting to be redirected but once they are on a new path, they feel empowered. 

John thanked Oak Bay Rotary for providing a grant for 25 latrines that afford privacy and also a method of providing fertilizer!  A local Victoria bee keeper has gone to Rwanda twice to help train, and set up a bee keeping collective. 6 local teachers have been certified to instruct on reproductive health and these teachers have educated over 1200 girls.

John says his is a journey of faith: key to opening opportunities for these children.  Sometimes he feels overwhelmed but he gets help from our Rotary club and this has been the vehicle to bring joy to these lives.  Just say yes and then it becomes possible. 

Dallas thanked John – she noted that John does not seem to be able to implement an exit strategy from Rwanda, and thanked him for all the wonderful work he is doing .

Meeting closed with the Rwanda national anthem.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 5 April 2016 - Renate Gibbs on nursing students' visit to New Zealand

Reporter: Pete Lawrie

President Heather started the meeting with an inspiring call for youth services as the theme of the month. Our club has a proud tradition of youth services. Youth are not only the hope of the future they are the hope of the present!

Rod provided a thoughtful grace and had to dance effectively with the Audio system

Steve introduced visitors who included: Kris Zmudzinski from Prince George; David Coe a visitor and prospective member and Sophie Gloy from Rotaract in Germany!). A rousing welcome ensued.

Announcements:

• Eugen read a wonderful note of thanks from Chris Philip for the Rotary support at David’s celebration of life. Particular thanks was given to Rod Sim
• Perry advised there were only 2 tickets left for the Paul Harris celebration dinner evening. There are also 5 tickets left from Steve’s generous donation of 10 free tickets for prospective members.

50/50:

Ron, Celebrations Master, made his way to the podium amidst a deafening ovation of adulation! It was insufficient to spare the financial onslaught! He even fined our youngest member (Garon – 1 year old) for eating while President Heather was speaking! He also drained the pockets of most in attendance with an enthusiasm. He had a particular attachment to Greenways and fined virtually every table for not knowing an obscure reference to a Calgary Greenway!

Birthdays included – Phil N, Tav, Will C

Anniversaries included: Joan F & Donna

Club Anniversaries included: Lorna, John E

Happy and Sad Dollars were fast and furious. This writer was unable to keep up. I think the Celebrations Master had so loosened the purse strings that everyone wanted to simply throw money at him!! They included: Wendy for new flag spikes manufactured in the William Head shops, Joan F for her inspiring experience at Rotary International Foundation awards meeting.

The 50/50 was fraught with controversy and generous Rotarian behaviour. Perry and Sandy generously deferred to Vicky for the winning ticket that happened to be left at Sandy’s place at the table. Tears of gratitude were shed!

Guest Speaker: Renate Gibbs

Sanjay gave a warm and sensitive introduction to our guest speaker, our very own Renate.

Renate gave a wonderful presentation with photos, about the trip she led with 9 nursing students to New Zealand on a 5 week cultural and professional, international learning trip. Renate shared very interesting stories from a personal vantage point in regard to the students. There is much for all of us to learn in terms of focused and inclusive health systems for higher impact on indigenous health care. There were also delightful pictures of a Wellington Hurricanes’ rugby game with students sporting signs of Canadian nurses loving the Hurricanes and Prince Harry (who happened to be watching the game in person!)

Renate shared information on the health challenges of indigenous obesity, tuberculosis and diabetes. All are troubling issues for the New Zealand health care system.

Anne Sims thanked Renate.

Our final anthem was that of Nigeria. Consistent with youth focus for the month, Nigeria has the highest percentage of young people (0-14) in the world (49.6%).

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 29 March 2016 - Local Rotary Foundation Goals

Reporter: Peter Lawrie

President Heather called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15 amidst a rowdy crew! She reminded us that this was the last meeting of March. Marc's theme has been water and sanitation. She quoted some staggering statistics in the world, regarding people not having access to good sanitation and clean water, and the lack of investment by governments in this issue. She concluded with a call to action for us as a club and as individuals, to continue to find ways to support clean water and sanitation projects.

Guests:

Lynne said grace and also introduced our visitors. We had two Interact members: Isabella Lee and James Asherill and 2 visitors: Alyx Valdal, a guest of Janna and soon to be inducted as a new member, and Lisa Bradley from Nottingham a guest and first cousin once removed of Joan Peggs.

Health of the Club – Brian is undergoing treatment. It is also his birthday! We all wish him a speedy return.

Announcements:

• Perry had good news and good news regarding the Paul Harris dinner – we now have 96 tickets sold (we sold 90 last year) and only 24 left to meet maximum capacity. Steve Sharlow has kindly donated 10 tickets for the use of prospective new members to our club. Thank you Steve!
• Jim Force reminded us that Thursday is “club-in-a-pub” time at the Penny Farthing. 
• Jim also announced that it looks like we have raised more than $100 from the book exchange this month plus $500 in donations from the club going to Early Start 1000 by 5!
• Isabella and James announced a new Interact fundraiser based on the Amazing Race around Victoria. Skills of teamwork speed and ingenuity required!! Sounds fun!! They were looking for volunteers to help on April 9th from 10:00 – 12:30. A sign-up sheet was circulated. Please let Jim Force know if you are available and weren’t able to sign up at the meeting.
• Lorna asked for volunteers to help out at the DLTA conference on Thursday and Friday evening  – stuffing and handing out registration packages.
• Heather awarded the Rotarian of the Month to Mary Canty. While there were several candidates, Mary was recognized and appreciated for her consistent care, energy and the empathy she brings to every meeting, and between meetings. Congratulations, Mary!!

Celebrations Master – Tav

Tav took the podium and was greeted with a stirring applause!  He apologized for a false announcement last meeting, that it was his last performance for the month, only to return again this week. Following some murmurs of discontent from thrifty members who braced themselves to be separated from their hard earned cash, Tav launched a relentless attack on the crowd. Fines were levied on Janette for her nice black hat, but which hid her face, at David’s funeral; those not wearing pins and badges; Pablo’s indecision of leaving early/not leaving early; Steve and Lynne for their complementary yellows and Tom L for his "Wrangler" shirt; Mary losing her hearing aid that was driven over in the parking lot (she was happy not to be wearing it at the time!) and many other fines, that had some members sadly dabbing their eyes.

Happy and Sad:  Too many to do justice to, but included:

Joan P – happy to be home safe and sound after the family wedding celebrations plus having her guest Lisa visiting.

Jack P – happy dollars to celebrate the great send off for Dr. David Philip and Rod’s Sim’s comments.

Lynne – she was wearing yellow because it was International Lemon Chiffon Cake Day

Janette - happy dollars for her one month holiday in Guatemala. 

Rod, Vicky, Tom L, Lori, Eugen and more, also parted generously and voluntarily with their cash.

Visiting guest, Lisa, won the draw but missed the black marble! 

Tav made a final (at last!) triumphant departure.

Club Day Program – Information was provided by Lori McLeod and Heather Aked about the club’s Foundation and the importance of coordinated support while remaining separate from the Rotary Board, as per Revenue Canada requirements.

A spirited discussion took place. The membership of the club is also the membership of the foundation. It is important to have a different board and some separation to meet Revenue Canada requirements. At the same time, it is important that the foundation board and club board remain responsive to the membership’s priorities.

Given the limited size and resources in the club, the  importance of coordinating fundraising possibilities for both organizations, was hiighted. This is particularly the case for “crossover” areas such as youth/leadership, local literacy related and municipal projects, like the water park. The community sees the foundation and the club as one and we need to continue to appear linked and aligned.

The committed funds, at this point, are for two scholarships at Oak Bay High School. 

The strategy of the Foundation is to use the interest generated from the capital in each of the scholarship funds, to finance the $1000  and $500 that is awarded for the two scholarships each year. A need to collaborate on additional fundraising efforts was urged.

The past and present members of the Foundation were recognized for their diligence and dedication. 

Lori M and President Heather called for volunteers to sit on  a committee to formulate guidelines and goals for the Foundation so that it may raise more funds and expand the projects to which funds can be dedicated.

The meeting was concluded at 1:30 with a stirring rendition of the Kenya National Anthem.

In Memory of Dr. David Stewart Philip 1933 - 2016 - Invocation given by Rev. Dr. Eugen Bannerman 28 March 2016

DR.  DAVID  STEWART  PHILIP 

Invocation

“A time to be born and a time to die.”

Dying is the last of the human experiences we can have,

the final stage in the lifespan of consciousness.

With death, the autobiography of life is forever closed,

and only the biographical epilogue remains to be written.

The epilogue is the only part the deceased cannot write for themselves;

it is left up to us to compose the final tributes.

This afternoon, we have come to say farewell to a remarkable human being: 

Dr. David Stewart Philip: 

a husband, father, grandfather, 

dentist, colleague, educator, board member, 

golfer, cricketer, rugby player, 

Rotarian, neighbour, and friend to many hundreds of patients.

We have come together in sadness, 

because those who have known him will miss him. 

But we’ve also come with anticipation of celebrating his life among us.

And so, though it is his death that brings us together,

it is his life we wish to remember and honour,

a life full of beauty, smiles, and generous goodwill.

Personal Reflections

I first met David while seated in the dentist's chair in his Oak Bay Dental Clinic.

I could hear someone humming an operatic tune in the hallway,

and then he was beside me.

"Good morning, Laddie, And what can I do for you?" 

He spoke in his Scottish brogue. 

I asked if he was humming a Verdi tune.

"Can’t remember,” he said, “But could have been."

I knew then that I would enjoy his company, regardless of my dental needs.

Over months and years, our whole family got to sit in that chair 

and hear his latest operatic hummings.

His care of patients was legendary, and extended far beyond office time.

For example, he opened his office one Sunday to deal with our son's broken tooth.

And friends have thanked me for referring them to him.

Latterly, we became neighbours in Rockland. 

After I joined the Oak Bay Rotary Club, we drove to Rotary meetings together. 

David would often help me, as we picked up Ted Harrison 

to bring him to Rotary luncheons. 

Inevitably, the three of us ended up singing, rather merrily, the few Deutsche Lieder we remembered from our school days.

My daughter Fiona met David last summer, as we drove to Rotary together.

When I spoke to her yesterday in Switzerland, I told her that David had died,

and she recalled their meeting with amazing clarity.

“He’s an old world gentleman,” she said, “elegant and smartly dressed.

We don’t see this kind anymore.

He was turned out with his waist coat, and tie pin.

He looked just divine, 

and he was funny, O my God, in that Scottish way.

Out come these Scottish sayings.

I’m glad I had a red wine with him.”

A few moments later she added, 

“I’m sure he was a charmer with the ladies in his youth.

He was a charmer in his eighties.

A lovely man.” 

We all know that David has lived through a series of critical medical issues.

His son, David Jr., once said that when he graduated from Glenlyon Norfolk School, 

his dad had his first major heart attack.

"I didn't know whether I would have to go to his funeral in my graduation suit."

It was a medical crisis with which the family had to deal with for decades.

"The good Lord's just not ready for this Scotsman," David often joked.

This week I learned from Chris, David’s wife of 59 years, 

that David had a near-death experience after his first heart attack in 1977.

David was already in Emergency when they called Chris to come to the hospital.

He looked hopeless; he was in a coma; what could she do?

Chris called out to him, “David, you can’t go. 

You can’t leave me at home with the three boys to look after. 

You’ve got to come back.”

David told her later that he heard her calling to him, demanding his return. 

It was the voice of his wife which was the determining factor 

that made him return to consciousness, 

and live for almost another four decades.

A nurse looked at the monitor.

“He’s turned the corner,” she reported, “his pulse rate has gone up.”

He was dying only a few minutes ago, and miraculously came back.

And after an hour, the nurse told Chris he was out of danger now,

and encouraged her to go home.

“It's so easy to go,” David confided later, “I wasn’t frightened of dying.”

Skip ahead almost forty years to the present day.

Last Sunday evening, as Chris and David were preparing for bed, 

David appeared worried about not feeling well.

"Oh David," Chris gently reassured him, "it's okay. 

Just let go and let God."

And sometime during the early morning hours, David did just that.

His heart stopped pulsing, and he passed peacefully through nature,

and into the Beyond, 

and into God’s eternity.

These are but a few of my personal memories and reflections 

of the remarkable man whose span of life we are honouring today.

Amen.

Rev. Dr. Eugen Bannerman

United Church Minister

Oak Bay Rotary Club

March 28, 2016

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 22 March 2016 - Brian Head and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Reporter: Neil Rawnsley

Thanks to Sandy Currie for room set up, Lorna Curtis for cashier duty, and Rod Sim for 50/50 draw, and thanks to our greeters: Tom Lidkea and Don O’Coffey.

President Heather began the meeting with the sad news that David Philip passed away in his sleep on Sunday evening.  Jack Petrie gave a short tribute for David which noted his Scottish heritage and wonderful sense of humour.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:  introduced by Don O’Coffey

Visiting Rotarians: Bill Ashley from Port Angeles, Kris Zmudzinski from Prince George, and Barry Watchorn from Campbell River.

Guests: Debbie Clarry and Betty Saunders, guests of Lynn Murray

Announcements:

• President Heather announced the awarding of a grant of $ 5,000 to George Jay Elementary School to further their music program. Funds are from the bequest of Ted Harrison and will further the arts program at this inner city school. The progress academically and culturally in this school as a result of contributions such as ours, has been tremendous. For a video of the children, with the George Jay music program, performing, click HERE.
• A program proposed at Monterey School, where Ted had donated so much of his time and energy in working with students is still under consideration with more information forthcoming from the school.
• Heather once again reminded us of the upcoming Paul Harris Dinner April 21, which is expected to be a lively evening. It was noted that Steve Sharlow has donated 10 tickets which will be given to those who have prospective club members in mind. Tickets still available at the hotel desk or from Perry or Mandy.
• Heather announced that the board will be establishing an ad-hoc nominating committee shortly which will be tasked with developing a program to provide for future leadership in the club. More information to follow.
• Wednesday, March 30^th, a new Rotary Club will receive it’s charter at the Harbour Towers Hotel. The club has donated $100 to the new club.  If you wish to attend the cost is $20 with appetizers at 5:30 and the meeting starting at 6:30.
• The board has approved the application for membership of Alyx Valdal, Certified Financial Planner. The seven day notice is provided and any questions can be directed to the club secretary.
• Next weeks meeting is the 5^th Tuesday of the month and the topic will be the relationship of the Rotary Club of Oak Bay and the Oak Bay Rotary Foundation. Heather will be sending out information so bring your questions.
• Jim Force thanked those who brought and bought books.

Celebrations Master – formerly Sgt. at Arms

Tav Macpherson started his last week by fining John Jordan for wearing a hat and Jack Petrie for the frivolity attached to the front and back end of last week's meeting. Those also recognized were those not attending the DLTA on April 1-3,  Perry Bamji for the celebration (with wine) of the Zoroastrian New Year at the board meeting and Neil Rawnsley for sitting at the back of the room. (Editors note: Neil was the only member sitting with our visiting Rotarians) Also fined were any of the executive drinking wine provided by Perry at the board meeting and Tom Lidkea for his attractiveness or not.

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Tom Lidkea has a birthday on March 23^rd and Bob Schelle, an anniversary.

Happy and Sad Dollars:

Jim Force for pondering the hereafter and what we are here after.  Mary Canty advised that Ted Chambers is recovering from his shoulder injury, Visiting Rotarian Kris for the Oak Bay welcome and Ryan advised that Janna’s parents have bought in Oak Bay and that  Janna will be having a sibling for Garon in September …… congratulations!!

Guest Speakers:

Phil Neroutsos introduced Brian Head a member of the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights who gave us a virtual tour through this magnificent museum which opened in September of 2013.

The museum was the vision of Israel Asper, geared to human rights and is located at the Forks in Winnipeg, an area inhabited for over 6000 years.  It is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to helping people understand, celebrate and promote human rights.

The structure itself is a work of art, the result of an international competition, won by the world renowned architect Antoine Predock. It is a towering structure of glass, stone, concrete and steel tied to the sites indigenous origins and culture. Glass represents the prairie sky, the Tower of Hope represents the glacial ice, and the roof, the folded wings of a dove – the universal symbol of peace. The museum houses 11 separate galleries, which highlight stories from multiple perspectives. All of the galleries are changed every 6-8 months as they represent the ongoing and constantly changing violations of human rights.  The largest gallery is the Canadian Journey which, as Brian said, shows “how nasty we have been”.  In the smallest gallery you can play at being a Supreme Court Judge.

There are no right angles in the walls of the museum, perhaps because there are so many different angles of looking at human rights.  “Complex geometry and human rights symbolism grace every component weaving light through darkness.”

As a volunteer guide, they have 32 hours of training. For more information click HERE

Barry Mutter thanked Brian on behalf of the club for “bringing the museum to us”.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 15 March, 2016 - Lori McLeod and Michelle Le Sage vocational presentation

Reporter: Neil Rawnsley

Photos: Bob Schelle

Aloha!!!  Rotary goes tropical.  Prior to the singing of O’Canada we were dazzled with the photos of the successful tropical party hosted on Saturday, by Jack and Brannon Petrie. Lots of bright aloha wear symbolizing the fun and beauty of the tropics and a definite expression of attitude. Plus Lorna’s glasses. Apparently somebody invited Sarah Palin ……

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:  introduced by Lynne Murray.

Visiting Rotarians: Jean Lister and Trevor Collom from Sooke.

Guests: Annamaria Bamji (Perry Bamji); Lesley Cobus and Janette Sproston (Club Guests); Alyx Valdal and Laura Malo (Gisler) (Janna Gisler); Tracy Richardson and Keray Stott: and Betty Pitt (Vicky Pitt).  Great to have Vicky and Janna’s mothers join us.

President Heather noted that this is Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation week and the need to provide these basic necessities to millions throughout the world. This is one of the priorities of the Rotary Foundation.

Announcements:

• Heather advised us that Brian Lamb is not well.  All of our best wishes and prayers are with Brian.
• Joan Peggs outlined the Flag program and  the status to date as earlier emails from Rod Sim had reported. She implored us to continue efforts to sell flags to friends, neighbours and colleagues as this is currently our major fundraiser. If you can help with the distribution please contact Jim Force. The program may spread to Sooke as our guests today, from Sooke, will be meeting with our flag committee.
• Jim Force reminded us to bring and buy books, about the Start Early Facebook page and the 1000 x 5 program, all in support of literacy.  Remember, kids who read, succeed, so give the gift of literacy.
• Heather reminded us of the upcoming Paul Harris evening on April 21 with tickets available from Perry or at the front desk of the hotel.

Paul Harris Recognition:

Heather provided an over view of Paul Harris Recognition and invited Lorna Curtis to introduce the most recent awardees, Lesley Cobus and Janette Sproston.

Lesley and Janette have demonstrated the objects of Rotary as employees of Recreation Oak Bay who have gone above and beyond their work obligations and volunteered many hours of their own time to the promotion and  success of Rotary programs such as the RocknRoll Revival, the New Orleans and Tuscan dinners where they organized staffing, the auctions, the dinners and more. Lesley was an instrumental part of the building of the Interact program with Recreation Oak Bay and our Rotary club starting in 1997.

Janette and Lesley thanked the club for the recognition and noted that they were proud to partner with the Rotary Club for what we do in our community. 

Club members recognized today, as Paul Harris Fellows were Michelle Le Sage and Lorna Curtis for her PHF+4. Our youngest Paul Harris Fellow Garon Gisler belatedly received his certificate and pin.

Tav Macpherson on behalf of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation made a special presentation to Perry and Annamaria Bamji on their qualification as Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation. This award places them amongst a dedicated group of donors  who receive  a crystal bowl engraved with doves – the universal symbol of peace – in appreciation of their commitment to the Rotary Foundation. Annamaria received a pendant and Perry, a pin.

Perry and Annamaria

Sergeant at Arms: (old school)

Tav quickly extracted funds from Ron Cooley, 1% of last week's draw win and for the bowtie; major donors; Lorna Curtis for the glasses at the Tropical party; President Heather for the hiring of a fashion and image consultant; anyone wearing green or who did not go to the party (guilty); and Jim and Will for the bookmark misprint.

Happy and sad bucks included, Mary Canty for her dance partner Annamaria, Jim Force thanking Ryan and Janna for taking the students to RYLA; Heather to Jack and Lorna for organizing a great party. Tom Croft was the 50/50 winner but nothing in the pot due to Ron’s big win last week.

Guest Speakers:

They needed no introduction so they did not get one. We were treated with a “vocational talk” from Lori McLeod and Michelle Le Sage who shall be described as “L” and “M” in this summary as they entertained us with a tag team-slide show short summary of their lives, at least the parts they were prepared to reveal.

• Scenic photos revealed that L was born in Thunder Bay and M in Vancouver. Heather was unable to match the baby pictures and we found that L was raised in Sidney while M called Parksville home. Growing up L was occupied with skiing, camping, boating and Girl Guides while M, one of 4 kids professed to bowling (her parents owned the lanes), fishing not so much and cycling ( bit of a stretch) and skiing and golfing in the Comox/Courtenay area.
• At sweet 16 they both shared the same interest in cars with L owning a 1970 Mustang and M a not so cool 1980 Mustang. 
• Early work experiences included L working  at Woodwards as a member of the prestigious Teen Council and selling shoes. (She advises men not to wear shorts when buying shoes.) M worked at Sunset Lanes Bowling Alley, Bayside Hotel and for National Tasting ????? 
• L graduated from Parklands Secondary in Sidney and M from Kwalikum in Qualicum Beach. 
• Apparently in their 20’s they both made their first grown up mistakes in veiled attire. Correcting the earlier errors they later found their forever guys.  L is married to Doug and they have been together 28 years and M has been with partner Earl for 20 years and have great families.
• L worked first for Elk Lake Sports and as a legal secretary then on to CHEK TV for 30 years in Community Relations a job which led her to meet M at the famous Parksville Sand Castle Days. The next move for L was to Eldercare where she is today. A recent success for Lori and Eldercare was the awarding of a $25,000 New Horizons grant.
• M has worked extensively in the hospitality industry on the Island managing a number of hotels. In Victoria she started at the Chateau Victoria, was President of the Restaurant Association and worked on Victoria Days promotions. Currently the great manager of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel she described one highlight was holding the first David Foster Event at the Fairmont Empress as the OBBH was not yet open.

As befits the story of two close friends and great Rotarians, their presentation ended with 

“Champagne and Chocolate – Of Course”.

Barry Mutter thanked the Lori and Michelle.

The meeting ended not with the usual foreign country anthem but with a short video from the Tropical evening which will likely not be seen on You Tube featuring Ron Cooley and Joan Firkins and starring John Jordon narrating a storey approximating Captain Cook’s arrival on the coast and the greetings extended by the natives. I believe it was a movement somewhat between a hula and a haka.

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting of 8 March 2016 - Esther Mwale from the APU School in Malawi

Reporter: Sabrina Corraini

Photos:

Joan Firkins stood in as MC for President Heather.  In honour of International Women's Day, she sent all the women in the club to the front of the lunch line.

Grace: Corey Burger. Corey chose to speak about the first woman pilot, Raymonde de Laroche, who was licensed on this day in 1910.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests: 

David Stocks, Past District Governor (2011/2012) – Westshore Club

Peter and Jane Markesteyn of the Winnipeg Club

Esther Mwale – Malawi APU School (now at Pearson College), guest of the club

Alyx Valdel, guest of Janna Gisler

Jennifer Hastings, guest of Mary Canty

Betty Pitt, guest of Vicky Pitt

 Joan Firkins and Vicky Pitt exchanged banners with Peter and Jane Markesteyn.

Speaker: Esther Mwale from the APU School in Malawi

Joan Peggs introduced Past District Governor David Stocks who introduced Esther Mwale.  Esther is currently attending Pearson College and has just won a full scholarship to the university of Oklahoma.  She spoke to us about how the APU school in Malawi transformed her life.

Some notes from Esther’s presentation:

• Girls are not expected to have a share in education – they are just supposed to get married at 16/17
• After primary school, Esther was sent to a community school with few resources and teachers who are not committed to their work. Girls do not make it through to university from these schools.
• Her dad said to try primary school again in an attempt to get into a better government school afterward.  At that time, her dad heard about another school and had her write entrance exams – she got in.
• Esther attended the APU school from 2010-2013.  It was a huge school with many buildings, electricity, and teachers who would only miss classes for very good reasons – nothing like what she had experienced before.
• The head teacher taught the other teachers to expect more from the girls, and taught the girls to expect more from themselves.  Esther and the other students were exposed to different opportunities and experiences.  It wasn't just the academic help that she got from APU, but started believing in herself and was really transformed.
• The APU graduation rate is 93%, as opposed to government schools' rate of 33%. Average national graduation rate 54%.
• Esther now sees herself as someone who will be financially stable and able to support a family one day. She has previously spoken to other groups, and the women at times just didn't believe her that what she was saying was possible or even part of the real world.
• Esther told us about her older sister who is now 24 and didn’t get into a good school.  She ran away to get married, had a baby, and then couldn’t support or feed herself or her baby because her husband spent all their money on things that didn’t support the family.  Eventually, she returned home, tried school again, but didn’t get into a good school due to her long hiatus from education.  Again, she ran away from school and got married once more.  She’s now in the same situation where she can’t support her family and is not educated.  APU diverted Esther from that kind of life and she is grateful for that.

Esther thanked us for all of our support for her and for the APU school she attended.  It transformed her life.

Peter Lawrie thanked Esther and noted that it’s hard to imagine a better story on International Women's Day.

Announcements:

• Jack Petrie: the party on Saturday starts at 6-ish.  There will be good food and drink, and dress to impress in a tropical theme.
• Perry Bamji: reminded us about the Paul Harris Fellow dinner coming up. Ticket sales are going well: about 1/3 of the room sold so far.  You can purchase your tickets from Mandy or Perry, or if you want to pay by credit card, visit the hotel front desk.
• Jim Force: March is Start Early Literacy campaign month. Go “like” (and share) their Facebook page.  If not, you'll get fined by Tav next week.  Also check out the 1000x5 Facebook page. Jim said thanks to everyone who brought books this week. 

Celebrations Master: Tav McPherson

Vicki was fined for not addressing Past District Governor David Stocks correctly.  Tav also fined the people sitting at the back table when seats at the front were vacant.  He said he’ll continue to do this for the rest of the month.  Jack was fined for wearing shorts, although Tav noted that his knees are lovely.  Tav asked questions about photos in the Rotarian magazine and fined tables who didn't know the answers.

Past District Governor David Stocks then fined himself for neglecting to mention in his introduction of Esther, that our club sponsored the water tower that was installed at the APU school.  Our club enabled the school to have running water.

 Tav asked us all to make a resolution in 2016 to bring a guest/potential new member to our club meeting, noting that Taiwan doubled its Rotarian membership last year.

Happy/Sad Dollars:

Jim Force: happy dollar because his 20-yr-old grandson has moved in with him after earning a 3-yr contract here in town.  He’ll be looking for a new place to live here in Victoria.

 Lorna Curtis spoke for Rod Sim: 41 very sad dollars because his 41-yr-old nephew recently passed away in hospice in Kelowna from brain cancer. Left behind a family with two young children.

50/50:

Sandy pulled a marble for his 50/50 win last week (we didn’t have the marbles with us last week) – he pulled a white marble.  Then, Ron Cooley won today and pulled the black marble!

To close the meeting, Joan Firkins showed us a short clip about how communities are improved when sanitation is improved with the building of ecological toilets.  It’s water and sanitation month.

One more video to end the meeting, just to make us laugh: it was a baby helping her father rip up a rejection letter from a prospective employer.  The baby was laughing like crazy every time the paper ripped. 

Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 1 March 2016 - 25th Anniversary of Interact at Oak Bay High

Reporter: Sabrina Corraini

Photos: Jack Petrie

                           

The meeting started with President Heather reminding us that March is water and sanitation month, and providing a few statistics about access (or lack thereof) of clean water and sanitation around the world.

Brian Lamb gave the invocation.

Guests: 

Jack introduced guests and visiting Rotarians, of which there were many:

Stewart and Gilda Graham from the Regina club (banker and lawyer)

Charlie Scobie from the Sackville, New Brunswick club

Rotaractors: Sophie Gloy and Clara Bradley

Interactors: Annette Barclay (previous teacher sponsor), Lesley Cobus (teacher sponsor), Isabella Lee, Tara Mathews, Nicole Quast, Lu Cheng, Misha Hasan, Alice Zhang, James Ashwell, Isaac Harper, Ruby Tang, and Janet Welham (Oak Bay Rec Interact Liaison)

Alyx Valdal, guest of Janna and Ryan

Jim Force left his wife, Colleen, off the guest list for the 2nd time in a row, and fined himself for doing so!

Announcements:

• Mary Canty had nothing to report regarding health of the club.
• President Heather thanked Mandy, Jenny, and Pablo for their concert fundraising efforts.  The concert on the weekend was a great success!
  
• Jack announced that on March 12 there will be a tropical-themed social at his home.  Cost is $25 a head (it’s not a pot-luck), and a sign-up sheet is going around.  If they don’t get more people signed up ASAP the event will be cancelled, and we don’t want that!
• Perry announced that April 21 is the Paul Harris Fellow dinner.  There are 3 awardees: Bob MacDonald (host of CBC Quirks and Quarks show), Tania Miller (Music Director of the Victoria Symphony, and Hazel Braithwaite (Oak Bay Councillor). Tickets are available through Perry or Mandy (cash/cheque), or at the hotel front desk (credit card) - ask for Sue. You can also buy tickets over the phone by calling the hotel front desk.
• Clara from Rotaract announced that their club is hosting a beer and burger night at Maude Hunter’s Pub on March 10th starting at 6 PM.  Cost is $15 for beer and burger (you can make substitutions if you don’t like beer), and $5 will go to the Out of the Rain youth shelter.  There will also be a raffle.

 There was no celebrations master today, but President Heather issued some fines anyway.

We sang Happy birthday to Anne Sims.

Happy/sad dollars:

• Jack very proud of Pablo for rising up this weekend for his concert.
• Lori is happy because she’s still the incoming president after being at PETS recently. She also told us it's Embrace Aging Month and on March 22nd there’s a lifestyle expo at Pearkes.
• Vicki had some happy and sad dollars because her mom is now here visiting, but her flight was very late and her luggage has still not arrived!
• Wendy had a happy dollar because she recently shopped at Sass Shoes on Douglas (it’s owned by a Rotarian and Rotaractor Lance Shaver works there), and got a Rotary discount.
• Pablo donated a happy dollar and let us know that all the money earmarked for expenses from the concert went to cover all other costs, but not to Pablo himself - he generously donated his time
• Lorna had some happy dollars because she was recently in the airport and the flight she was on was overbooked.  She offered to take the next one and they gave her a $400 voucher for doing so.  Later the same day, the same thing happened on the next flight!  She volunteered again, but ended up getting on the flight, as they didn’t need her seat after all.

 Sandy won the 50/50 draw ($10 winnings) but there were no marbles to choose from today.  Sandy can pick a marble next week if he’s at the meeting.

President Heather and Jim presented a cheque for $100 to Ruby Tang as a representative of the Interact Club in thanks for their involvement in planning/working the Merrython.

Jim then called Clara Bradley to the front and presented her with a Paul Harris Fellow on behalf of Oak Bay Rotary Foundation.   Clara is a past president of the Interact Club, a current president of the Rotaract Club, and has been involved with Katimavik.  She’s graduating this year from UVic with a degree in environmental studies.

Our presenter today was Jim Force, and he spoke about the history of Interact club and their many accomplishments over their 25 years as a chartered club. (Here are some great pics from the day's meeting, including several of the Interactors from Oak Bay High).