Rotary Meeting Oct 11, 2012

President Dennis led todays meeting off with reminders about upcoming events and what members need to do about them. First was the Curling Funspiel on Oct 20 - remember this is a fun event for all levels of curlers, especially beginners. There are 6 teams already and we are looking to have up to 20 so register yourselves and guests with Matthew. Next was the Rotary Development Weekend here in Osoyoos Oct 26 to 27. Members planning to attend need to register online and let Vaughn know so he can cut a chegue to cover the costs. Finally, Oct 24 is Polio Awareness day and we will be gathering at the elementary school with Polio signage at 0800.

Ron introduced Ken Favrholdt, Curator of the Osoyoos and District Museum for the past 3 years, as our guest speaker.  Ken spoke on the War of 1812, on the 200th anniversary, and how it impacted the west. In 1812, the USA declared war on Great Britain and at that time, most of BC, Washington and Oregon were all included as part of the Oregon Territory and was managed by various fur trading companies with the largest center being Fort Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. The Territory changed hands between the Canadians and the US until the end of the war at the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 without a shot being fired. The major impact of the war on the West then occurred in the 1846 when all this came together in the Oregon Treaty when the 49th parallel became the border between Canada and the US. And we all agreed that Canada won the War of 1812!!

This was the first meeting or our new exchange student, Isadora Bastos. She was enthusiastically welcomed and spoke about her first week here - she is excited about the year and is working hard at school and making good friends. Isa is hosted by Marieze until early January.
The 50/50 was won by Judy and she generously donated the winnings to Isadora....like Bill and Ron before her!