President Iain opened the meeting with a land acknowledgment and we sang O'Canada.
Sarge Jack introduced and welcomed several visitors including our guest speaker.
Rotary Moment - Today we celebrate Earth Day and April is Earth month. Thank you to Nancy Hansen for sending an article and web link to Climate Atlas: https://climateatlas.ca/video/cripping-climate-adaptation
As a Rotary member, you’re part of a global movement that’s developing innovative, sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as protecting our environment. That’s why on Earth Day, 22 April, we hope you’ll take action to support Rotary projects that preserve and restore the environment in communities around the world. From educating people about how their food choices can reduce planet-heating emissions to experimenting with regenerative agricultural practices, our members and community partners are finding local strategies that can add up to a huge global impact for future generations. Over the past five years, Rotary has allocated more than US$18.4 million in grants for environmental projects. This was possible only because members of Rotary donate to their Foundation.
Lobsterfest - Jim Forestell reports that Charleswood Rotary is holding our annual Lobsterfest on June 14 this year, the Friday before Fathers’ Day. As in the last two years this will be a drive-up event and the club expects to serve more than 700 complete dinners. Ready to reheat lobster or chicken will be offered and each dinner will include baked potato, coleslaw, dinner roll and dessert, along with a 375 ml Pinot Grigio. Charleswood Rotary was forced into the drive-up option due to Covid 19 and found that it appealed to a great number of clients. It gives them an opportunity to enjoy the Downeast “Kitchen Party” atmosphere with friends and family at home or at the cottage. This is the main fund-raiser for the club and provides support to a variety of community projects that include Westgrove Elementary school, Ed Werbowski bursaries for the three local high schools, several annual youth leadership programs and improvements to the Assiniboine Forest, where members of the club have been working at various projects for more than 30 years. Cathy Skene is issuing tickets for members to sell to their friends, family and work colleagues. Share the news on social media. Online registrations and more information is on the club website at: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1000/
Urban Stable - tickets are still available for Urban Stable’s Barn Dance Fundraiser on Saturday May 4th at Breezy Bend. Here is a link to the tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/f185ecbd-b491-4574-a33a-586f84526792
STARS - Our support of STARS over the years was emphasised by the visit of Tracy Mowdy recently during her presentation. In recognition of our support, the club received a thank-you from STARS for our donation of $1500.00
District Conference - We are just three weeks from this spring’s District 5550 Conference in Moose Jaw! Sonja has sent an email to notify prospective attendees about events to participate in. Cost is $305.00 for both days. Link to the conference registration is: http://tinyurl.com/5550-Conference
Forest update - Jack reported about recent developments including the replacement of plastic caps on the top of the new sign, vandalism issues and work with the Landscape Architects on trail enhancements (Sagimay). The Forest Committee is also addressing an insurance policy issue that may affect the Forest and other club activities. More to follow.
Chicken Fest (April 29-May 3) - The Winnipeg West Rotary Club has a long standing (70 + years) fundraiser that is important in supporting club projects. It's a great deal and can be ordered in a variety of dates, times, quantities and locations. The website provides further information at https://chickenfest.ca/about-chickenfest/.
Before we go to dinner.. Man goes to his doctor and says "doctor, I think I'm losing my hearing". Doctor says "can you describe the symptoms for me". Man replies "sure. Homer is fat and bald, Marge has tall blue hair."