Luncheon Jan. 12, 2017

A full, fun 2nd meeting of the New Year. Pres Brian introduced several guests including regulars Gregor Reid and Richard (Times), honorary member Roger Clinton, Dale Cory of Oliver Rotary and Robert Fisher, a snowbird Rotarian from Saskatchewan....if you ever wondered why we have snowbirds in Osoyoos where today it is -10, it was pointed out that it was -40 something in back in Sask!

The meeting was preceded by a Club Board meeting and I see that the notes from that are already distributed  from our secretary...go Jeff! Take note of how the results of almost $30,000 of fundraising efforts is being distributed. 

Our luncheon speaker was Paddy Head, who gave us a delightful and informative update on the Desert Park Exhibition Society. Paddy is the VP of the Society and is obviously a passionate proponent given her love of anything horsey...she was an early entrant into horse racing as a jockey early in the '70's and racing in E Canada and the US until 1990. It sounded like there would be a fascinating book from her life!

Paddy was not sure that there would be racing in Osoyoos this year. Evidently we are the only B circuit track left in BC, which underscores the decline of racing in North America. If we have a 1 or 2 day event this year is dependent on the support from the Hasting's A track and raising the purse money. 

But they will host the Medieval Fair May 20-21. This was a successful event of jousting and Medieval events last year with some 1200 attendees and will be expanded with a feast and Village/entertainment this year,  hoping to attract some 2000 guests, mainly tourists. She is looking to attract vendors, sponsors and volunteers. 

Paddy talked about the horse training facilities and shared that there will be 6 trainers here with some 80 horses, down from the ambitious 158 horses of 2016. She will be running tours of the facilities starting at the end of February for the public which should be interesting. Their immediate issue is an aging tractor to support the stable.

In other news...our South African expeditionary force is heading out next week to view our International project underway (school toilets). There are 11 Rotary/partners going led by Marieze and Garnett and the itinerary sounds exciting for them. They go armed with club funds to support local needs as they see them. Safe travels!

Happy Bucks yielded that it was Harold's significant  b'day tomorrow and he shared his plans to recognize those that came to his aid some 192 days ago at his hockey game in the morning. Neat!

And finally, Jeff won the 50/50 and was very clear that the proceeds would be directed to the Osoyoos Curling Club bar this weekend at the men's curling championships. I am not sure where Service Above Self came into the decision but I applaud this one!

We were golfing in Osoyoos last year in just over 4 weeks away from today so be hopeful!