Rotary: Week one of our new President Al - written by Gray
July 4, 2012
Things felt right with O' Canada being sung with Gary Wiggins back in the fold. Gary's wife Hazel accompanied him, and he introduced her as the "best caregiver in the world!" Other guests included Heather Stacy and Heather Scott of Share Family and Community Society, and Margaret Newill from the Port Moody Arts Centre.
This was the first regular meeting of the new 2012–13 Rotary year. We got off to a rip-roaring star with the place being packed, somewhat surprising for early July.
It is often remarked that the Rotary Club of Port Moody is an active club with active members. That was so apparent in this week's announcements.
Scott Masse told us about the plans for September 13th golf tournament. We're looking forward to the wine auction, live auction and silent auctions once again. For the regular golfers, without question, this is one of the best events around. This is a terrific opportunity for all Rotarians, not just the golfers, to be involved. If you can volunteer, contact Linda Balzer.
Lorraine Savage has taken up the cause of our reading to seniors program at Eagle Ridge Manor. It's not restricted to reading; you can also include slideshows, storytelling or other sorts of presentations. This occurs on the first and third Monday of each month. Check with the Lorraine for the application form to get involved.
One of the big things we do each year is the summer kids camp at Camp Jubilee, which starts this weekend with the kids heading up on Saturday from Rocky point boat launch. A group of 10 Rotarian's headed up on Sunday to visit. Four Rotarians were there to see the kids off and such a great week to go to camp.
Sadly Henrietta is about to leave. Darrell Burnham told us that he and Krista will be hosting the social at their place next Wednesday at 7 PM, (BYOB).
Trudy Gallant gave us the rundown of the new club service organization. We are now operating under this new regime where you are assigned to one of four teams, and, on a rotating basis, your team is responsible for all the duties that keep our club meeting running smoothly. We’re off to a good start.
Our guests also had announcements. Heather informed us that the Generous Hearts Food Drive raised $12,000 in food and $11,000 in cash. All that greatly assists in Share in providing food for 450 families per week in this area. Great job Ron Baker! Margaret informed us about the “Art in the Garden Tour” which takes place on Sunday, July 15. Tickets are $20 and available at the Port Moody Arts Center or Thrifty Foods (at Sutter Brook). For more info go to www.pomoarts.ca.
As said earlier, this being the first meeting of the new Rotary year, it was Al's first meeting as "President AL". We were all impressed at how he handled that gavel. He did a good job keeping the meeting running smoothly, especially given all the announcements. He made a few of his own acknowledgments & announcement. He insisted we sing Happy Birthday to Keith Vernon, and Keith noted it seemed rather lack luster until we hit the second part of "why was he born so beautiful… why was he born at all". Pres AL also recognized the good works of George & Linda Balzer in Belize, and acknowledged, with appreciation, Ron taking over from Farrah as treasurer.
Our guest speaker was, none other than, Pres AL himself. In broad terms he gave us the picture of where we are and where we're headed: the money in the bank, the fundraising we anticipate doing, the grants that are expected, that sort of thing. Importantly, he went through who does what in our club, a truly impressive roster of Rotarians organizing events and programs, and making a difference. At first I thought Pres. Al was being humble when he said that he doesn't have to do much in order for this to be an active year for our club since so many Rotarians are champions for the many international and community projects we undertake each year. But you need a real leader to coordinate all these different activities, to follow along with everything and make sure the resources are there, and especially, to ensure our time and money is allocated to best achieve our goals of service to the community, locally and internationally.
Pres AL wants each of us to be the best Rotarians we can possibly be. In his own words, he wants members to become Rotarians, and Rotarians to become Gold Rotarians. “Get involved – Have Fun". One focus for achieving this is something he refers to as the "Drive for 5 ":
1. attended district function
2. invite a guest to a meeting
3. attend a make up
4. become $100 APF contributor
5. attend a club committee meeting.
As is normally the case, these are fun meetings and everybody is upbeat and happy. But no one was happier that Past President John Dalton. Good to see you back in one of the regular seats John, welcome to the past presidents club :-)