Rotary Meeting March 21, 2013

Pres Dennis opened this 2nd day of spring meeting with some business items. The Cactus Jalopy event needed a Co-Chair to shadow Cheryle and Linda beat the volunteer rush and took it on.  The $100 Foundation donation expected of every Rotarian is due by the end of March....please? A sample of the Splash Park tickets were shared - these are the $50 tickets that we are managing in partnership with the SP Committee as a fundraiser for the park. Our obligation is to sell 40 of the 400 tickets and manage all the sales/receipts. A draft of the golf tournament poster was introduced for approval and input - it was well done!  We were reminded of the district conference May 2-5 in Kamloops and the Rotary Club of Oliver's auction dinner and fundraiser on April 13. 

Brian introduced our guest speaker Pastor Phil Johnson. Phil has lead the Baptist church in Osoyoos for the past 4 years, a Pastor for over 9 years and a former Rotarian. He gave us an update on the community activities that they manage and support. The meals-on-wheels program involves 16-18 volunteers and is delivering 130-150 meals per mo. The food bank operates once a month and delivers food supplies that last 4-5 days to families in need, 104 in February and over 1800 in 2012. The church manages the BC Transit operations and needs in Osoyoos. Ridership is up 17% and they are working towards the goal of a regular Osoyoos to Enderby transit capability. Phil also referenced a partnership with the Abbotsford Church to feed immigrant workers - they fed 6-700 workers dinner during one week last summer. He acknowledged the significant 'difficult attitudes' they encountered with the workers and will try to figure out how to reach them with the kindness that everyone deserves this next summer. 

Phil had his 55th birthday yesterday. It was celebrated with a 'kindness intervention' which involved friends and family members gathering to give him direct feedback on all his good deeds and acts of kindness that they had witnessed - Phil challenged us to do the same with our members and friends. Great concept and something for us to 'remember'. 

Happy Bucks included an invitation from 'just returned' snowbird Ron to participate in his Jazz Appreciation course beginning April 9th for 4 weeks ....see Ron for details but i can attest it is excellent!

Linda won the 50/50 - she is on a roll! It was donated to the splash park.