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”.